The Mayors of the Americas Task Force on Migration has announced an investment exceeding $5 million to support city-led projects aimed at promoting economic inclusion for migrants and local communities across Latin America. The funding will provide financial and technical assistance to five cities: Bogotá and Cali in Colombia, Manta and Quito in Ecuador, and Mexico City in Mexico.
These initiatives are intended to expand access to dignified work, introduce digital identification systems, and facilitate regular migration status for newcomers. The announcement follows a year of collaboration among task force members focused on addressing migration challenges through local action rather than waiting for national-level solutions.
Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director of the Mayors Migration Council, stated: “This year, the Mayors of the Americas Task Force proved what’s possible when cities lead with urgency and imagination. The inaugural projects show how local innovation can create real economic inclusion and meaningful regular pathways for migrants. We urge national governments, philanthropies, public donors, and international financial institutions to step up and invest in city governments so they can scale up their solutions.”
Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and Caribbean, added: “At CAF, we know the value of investing in subnational leaders and are proud to be a partner in making the Mayors of the Americas Task Force on Migration’s vision for migrant inclusion a reality. We urge our partners and financial institutions to invest directly in city-driven solutions, maximizing their resources to unlock the full potential of migration for both newcomers and local economies alike.”
The selected city projects include:
– In Bogotá, the “Bogotá Recognizes” initiative will upgrade service centers into a technology-based system offering improved economic and social services for migrants. Partnerships with private employers will help provide formal job opportunities alongside a digital credential system.
Carlos Fernando Galán, Mayor of Bogotá said: “With ‘Bogotá Recognizes,’ we’re ensuring that every person in Bogotá, including immigrants and returnees, can access livelihoods and services fairly and transparently. We are building a city where inclusion is not just a principle, but a practice.”
– Cali is developing a digital employment platform using open-source technology to verify skills and connect migrants directly with employers.
Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali stated: “We view migration as a transformative force and are committed to turning it into tangible progress through economic inclusion and social cohesion. Cities like ours are ready to lead by example and implement innovative solutions that inspire regional action.”
– Manta’s project focuses on supporting migrant women entrepreneurs in food and textiles by helping them form business associations that offer training, startup capital, market access, higher incomes, and formal protections.
Marciana Valdivieso, Mayor of Manta said: “We are turning survival strategies into sustainable economic engines and investing in women and immigrant-led innovation that benefits the entire city.”
– Mexico City is launching an integrated network providing legal aid, documentation services, shelters, social programs—all under one system—to improve care for migrants while facilitating documentation processes.
Clara Brugada from Mexico City remarked: “Migration is part of the history and daily life of our city. With this new multi-service system we reaffirm our commitment to the dignity protection,and inclusionof people onthe move who arriveinMexicoCity.We want themto be ableto fully exercisetheir rights participateinthe community contributeoursociety,and developasenseofbelonging.”
– Quito will extend its “House of Human Mobility Without Borders” model by setting up new units offering legal guidance,social work,and mental health services particularlyinperipheral areas.The effort also includesa metropolitan policy targeting vulnerable populations.
Pabel Muñoz,the mayorofQuito said:“Through expansionofthe‘HouseofHumanMobilitywithoutBorders’,Quitoreaffirmsitscommitmenttoinclusivedevelopmenttoprovideessentialservicesandcreaterights-basedeconomicopportunitiesforvulnerablecommunitiesincludingpeopleinhumanmobility.”
The Mayors Task Force was launched during the 2024 UN General Assembly as an alliance among mayors from major American cities aiming at practical migration responses led by municipalities. Its mission includes forming political visions around cooperation on migration issues as well as implementing demonstrative projects with support from organizations such as CAF – Development Bank of Latin America & Caribbean.
Members include Clara Brugada (Mexico City), Alejandro Eder (Cali), Carlos Galán (Bogotá), Mike Johnston (Denver), Pabel Muñoz (Quito), Claudio Orrego (Santiago Metropolitan Region), Cruz Pérez Cuéllar (Ciudad Juárez), Marciana Valdivieso (Manta).
