In Jalisco, Mexico, Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro recently made a symbolic visit to a housing initiative in Jamay, signaling support for a market-based approach that is enabling families to secure land and homes. By appearing alongside local mayors, he highlighted a growing recognition among public officials that innovative, private-sector-driven models can expand access to affordable housing more quickly and sustainably than traditional government-led programs.
From Pilot Project to Scalable Model
The progress achieved so far demonstrates how rapidly the initiative is advancing:
2024: 401 residential lots completed as a pilot program
First Half of 2025: 693 new lots approved in Jamay and Cocula
Second Half of 2025: 3,270 more lots under review
Annual Target: 1,500–2,500 lots launched each year
This trajectory confirms that well-designed market-based housing solutions can effectively serve lower-income families. Demand has been so strong that over 1,000 families are already interested in a potential “Jamay 2” expansion.
Why Smaller Towns Are Driving Success
The model works best in small to mid-sized municipalities with 20,000–100,000 residents. These communities offer unique advantages:
Affordable land situated near jobs and commercial centers
More agile governance, as local mayors can streamline approvals
Strong enough economies for families to build financial stability
Rather than competing in saturated urban markets, these projects thrive by creating new opportunities in overlooked towns where homeownership and land acquisition are still within reach for working families.
Establishing Trust
Equally important is the credibility these initiatives are building. In a country where families are often wary of fraudulent schemes, trust is a decisive factor. Transparent pricing, clear communication, and visible proof—such as neighbors receiving valid land titles—have transformed skepticism into enthusiasm. Local leaders, witnessing the economic ripple effects, have become champions of the program. Meanwhile, investors are drawn by the combination of social impact and steady returns, ensuring long-term commitment.
Government as an Enabler
Governor Lemus’ endorsement reflects a shift in how government participates: not as the primary financier or developer, but as a facilitator that helps effective solutions grow. His administration is exploring how the state can best support these market-driven efforts already showing promise.
This perspective acknowledges an important reality: more than half of Mexican workers (54.3%) are part of the informal economy. They should not be seen as passive recipients of charity but as paying customers with real purchasing power who deserve genuine housing options
