4.3 Local Economy

Informal Commerce

Despite relatively high levels of marginalization, Queretaro still enjoys a privileged economy compared to the rest of the country. According to the "Urban Competitiveness Index", Queretaro in 2012 placed the fourth most competitive economy in Mexico.

The industrial boom attracted many middle class professionals who migrated from neighboring states. Today, Queretaro has become a city made up of foreigners.

The Tepetate area suffers from a stagnant economy and many families tend to rely on informal commerce as an additional income. This has caused informality in business and improvisation in the occupation of urban space. For this reason there are few public spaces, as people prefer to sell products here rather than use them as recreational spaces. 

The people in fringe conditions have little recreational time. Furthermore, most street markets do not pay taxes to avoid reductions in their earnings. Since street markets have existed in Mexico since pre-colonial times, these tiaguis are a sign of the lack of affordable and nearby commerce and have become part of the culture and national identity.

Tianguis

Social Housing and Tianguis

Further Reading (Articles available on dropbox)

Further Reading(Issuu)