Politics
Medellín Voters Decide: 0.5% Property Tax Hike for Metro Expansion
The October ballot asks voters across Medellín's comunas whether to raise property taxes by 0.5 percent to extend Metro lines toward Itagüí and Envigado.
How we reported this
The Medellín Metro Funding Referendum, scheduled for 4 October 2026, lets registered voters decide on a 0.5 percent property tax increase to finance two new Metro extensions. Property owners in all 16 comunas would pay the higher rate if the measure passes.
The vote follows a 2025 municipal budget decision that left 420 billion Colombian pesos unallocated for transport projects after national transfers fell short. City council records show the shortfall stems from reduced central government contributions tied to the 2024 fiscal pact.
Effects on Daily Travel and Household Costs
Residents who ride the Metro from stations such as Niquía or Itagüí would see fares projected to stay at 3,000 pesos through 2028 instead of rising to 3,800 pesos. At the same time, a household assessed at 250 million pesos would face an extra 1.25 million pesos in annual property tax, according to the city cadastre office.
Local transport analysts note that the extensions would add 8.4 kilometres of track and create 1,200 construction jobs over three years. Community groups in San Javier and Manrique say the new stations could cut commute times to the city centre by 22 minutes for workers in those districts.
Next Steps for Voters and Implementation
Ballots will be mailed in September and voting centres will open at 42 locations including the Palacio de Exposiciones. The government says the policy will take effect in January 2027 if approved, with tax notices reflecting the new rate by March.
Policy analysts say turnout thresholds require at least 35 percent participation for the result to bind the administration. The municipal budget office has published the full text of the measure on its website for residents to review before the vote.