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Business leaders from multiple industry chambers urged the Baja California Congress to cap municipal tax increases in the 2026 revenue laws, arguing they should not exceed inflation or recently announced minimum wage adjustments.
In a joint press conference, representatives from CANADEVI, CANACAR, COPARMEX, CANACINTRA, CANIRAC, ADEPM, and other organizations presented economic data they said demonstrates the need for measured fiscal policy in a period of slow growth and job losses.
According to the business groups, the minimum wage in the Northern Border Zone will increase 5% beginning January 1, 2026, rising from 419.88 to 440.87 pesos per day. In the rest of the country, the minimum wage will rise by 13%. With annual inflation at 3.8%, the real increase in the border-zone minimum wage is approximately 1.2%, the organizations said. They noted that when municipalities approved their 2026 revenue laws, the wage adjustments had not yet been announced, creating what they described as a mismatch between projected revenues and economic capacity.
The groups emphasized that Baja California’s economic conditions remain fragile. They cited data showing economic growth of 0.5% in 2025 and a projected 1.5% expansion in 2026. They also pointed to the loss of 19,258 formal jobs statewide between January and October 2025, which they argued underscores the need for policies that support business stability and competitiveness. Representatives said higher municipal fees or tax increases above inflation could worsen conditions for local employers.
Business chambers also addressed long-term challenges facing the state’s economy, particularly the proposed federal labor reform to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours. The reform, currently under national discussion, envisions a gradual reduction — from 48 to 46 hours, then to 44, 42, and finally 40. The organizations said they support the objective of the reform but stressed that implementation will carry significant cost increases. They estimate payroll expenses will rise between 12% and 28% depending on company size, with the largest impact on small and medium-sized businesses.
Representatives warned the reduced workweek could accelerate the adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and process technologies as employers adjust to shorter shifts. They said companies may need to reorganize workloads, increase efficiency, or modify staffing levels to absorb the additional labor costs. Business leaders called for a coordinated approach between the private sector and government to manage the transition without harming job creation or regional competitiveness.
The organizations concluded by reiterating their request that the state legislature adjust the 2026 revenue laws to reflect actual economic conditions and to ensure that tax increases remain proportional to inflation and wage policy, arguing that doing so would provide stability for employers and protect the state’s economic momentum.
