Zapotlán del Rey: Driving Economic, Urban, and Transparent Transformation

In the heart of the Ciénega region of Jalisco, the municipality of Zapotlán del Rey is undergoing a pivotal transformation in its economy, urban planning, and public administration. With a growing population, deep roots in the agricultural sector, and a renewed focus on attracting investment, the municipality is striving to position itself as a model of orderly development and transparent governance. In this context, municipal leadership plays a critical role in unlocking local potential and connecting Zapotlán with new regional and international opportunities.

In this exclusive interview with interAlcaldes, Councilwoman Ana Esther Domínguez Correa shares the progress, challenges, and strategies of her administration in key areas such as economic diversification, urban infrastructure, public services, transparency, and governance. With a vision that blends community engagement and openness to investment, she outlines how the municipality is charting a new course based on land use planning, capital attraction, and an administration grounded in accountability.

interAlcaldes: Under your leadership, Zapotlán del Rey has promoted economic diversification beyond traditional agriculture and livestock. What tangible results have you achieved in terms of investment, employment, and economic growth?Councilwoman Ana Esther Domínguez Correa: Since I joined this administration, we've actively worked to attract both national and international investment. Our goal is to create at least 50 direct jobs through productive projects. Zapotlán del Rey holds immense untapped potential—we’re like an undiscovered beach, waiting for investors willing to explore. From my position, I knock on doors across Mexico and abroad to promote the municipality as an attractive destination for new businesses.

interAlcaldes: Regarding the primary sector, what initiatives have you implemented to modernize agricultural and livestock production?

AEDC: We've sought more state and federal support to enhance competitiveness in these sectors. Our identity is deeply tied to agriculture and livestock, and we need technology and financing to strengthen this economic foundation.

interAlcaldes: The tequila industry is strategic for the region. How has your administration contributed to strengthening this value chain?

AEDC: Although we’re not officially designated as an agave-producing municipality, we have hundreds of hectares of agave under cultivation. With the support of local Congressman Martín Franco, we’ve advocated for fair pricing for producers. We’re working to strengthen ties with tequila companies and support the consolidation of an industry that directly benefits our local farmers.

interAlcaldes: Zapotlán del Rey has experienced population growth. What urban planning strategies have you implemented to respond to this challenge?

AEDC: We’re working closely with the Municipal Land Regularization Commission (COMUR) to provide affordable land title regularization. We're also pushing for federal housing programs to reach more families, as many residents still lack proper housing. Promoting dignified residential developments is essential to meet this need and attract real estate investment.

interAlcaldes: How is your administration addressing the new demands for urban infrastructure and public services?

AEDC: We’re maintaining rural and dirt roads, although we need more resources to open new thoroughfares. We've begun rehabilitating the municipal market and are aiming to incorporate specialized medical services. I also plan to advocate for bringing in a commercial bank, since the only bank currently operating here is Banco del Bienestar. We’re also pushing for the creation of green spaces for local families.

interAlcaldes: What is your long-term vision for sustainable urban development?AEDC: It's essential to improve connectivity among the municipality’s 27 communities by providing basic infrastructure to support their development. We’re focusing on passable roads, essential equipment, and territorial planning that guarantees both quality of life and sustainability.

interAlcaldes: What progress has been made in terms of commercial infrastructure?

AEDC: The municipal market, built under the previous administration, is now being activated under our leadership. For the first time, a major retail chain like OXXO has opened in the municipality. Our goal is to continue attracting more formal businesses.

interAlcaldes: What policies have been implemented to support local entrepreneurship?

AEDC: Despite our efforts, we still face major budget limitations. Many residents still shop in neighboring municipalities like Poncitlán or Ocotlán. While we have basic services in our communities, strengthening Zapotlán del Rey’s commercial ecosystem is an urgent priority.

interAlcaldes: How have you improved connectivity and basic infrastructure to support the business sector?

AEDC: Our road network is limited, but we’re rolling out programs to expand it. We’re also working on improving digital connectivity by providing internet access to more communities. Although we don’t yet have shopping centers, such investments would be more than welcome.

interAlcaldes: What progress has been made in financial transparency?

AEDC: During city council meetings, public works proposals are presented alongside their costs. Proper execution of these projects will build public trust and lay the foundation for open governance.

interAlcaldes: What are your administration’s goals for building a culture of transparency?

AEDC: As a councilwoman, I’m committed to ensuring that this administration becomes a model of responsible oversight. I’m confident the mayor will lead with accountability and citizen-focused governance to position Zapotlán del Rey as a model municipality.

The challenges ahead for Zapotlán del Rey are as ambitious as they are urgent: building resilient urban infrastructure, attracting sustained investment to drive local job creation, and effectively integrating the municipality’s 27 communities under an equitable and sustainable development model. This must be accompanied by stronger institutional capacity to ensure that public resources are managed with efficiency, transparency, and long-term vision—fostering citizen trust and investor interest alike.

Councilwoman Ana Esther Domínguez Correa reaffirms her commitment to a responsible transformation agenda, in which economic and social growth is tied to collective well-being. Her leadership aims to position Zapotlán del Rey as a model municipality in the region—with a clear direction, a strengthened productive vocation, and an administration that remains consistently, professionally, and transparently accountable. The road ahead is not without challenges, but political will, citizen participation, coordinated efforts with other levels of government, and institutional support will be key to building a future full of opportunities for all.

Written by: Editorial

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