This project begins in Rafael de Heredia, a canton of nearly 50 thousand residents. See stories below.
T
his is a personal project that examines the local government structures and institutions that have emerged as a result of Costa Rica’s municipal code reform of April 30, 1998. There is no particular purpose for this series of articles other than to observe and share the dynamics and the social mechanisms by which municipal governments are able to meet — or not — the demands of their constituents.
My primary interest at first was in the municipal government’s relationship and interactions with the national government. While this is still important, and I probably will come back to it again given the upcoming presidential election in Feb. 2026, my focus now is regional. In 2026, the province of Heredia will elect five congressional representatives.
What to watch for
- How they are elected
- What plans the candidates have for the 10 cantons they will represent
RECENT POSTS
- Communication in times of information overload tends to overwhelm community participation if journalists don’t provide clear, balanced messages. [8/25/25]
- As San Rafael’s new government nears its eighth month in office, I begin exploring how it all works. [12/1/24]
- Beyond politics: Water resources anywhere can be — and almost always are — the source of serious community conflicts. [8/1/23]
- Among media sources in SR canton is a good historical, cultural magazine that was launched in 2016. [7/18/23]
- Let’s start by taking a look at San Rafael de Heredia, the canton where I live currently.
- Municipal elections on Feb. 4, 2024 will give this project an opportunity to observe and analyze local political campaigns as they become new governments.