Puerto Vallarta and the wider Nayarit region are continuing to see activity across city programs, public events, sports achievements and environmental initiatives. 

Recent announcements highlighted developments ranging from municipal tax forgiveness incentives and large-scale community events to international environmental recognition and athletic success on the national level. Plus, the city is staging free World Cup match broadcasts and other fun events that locals, expats and visitors alike can enjoy.

Puerto Vallarta municipal tax forgiveness program offers 90% discounts

Puerto Vallarta residents with outstanding municipal tax debts now have an opportunity to significantly reduce what they owe under a new city incentive program. The initiative offers discounts of up to 90% on surcharges and enforcement-related fees, aiming to help taxpayers regularize their accounts while improving municipal revenue collection.

To participate, residents must either pay their full balance or enter into an installment payment agreement before December 31, 2026. 

City officials say the program is designed to ease the financial burden of accumulated penalties and make it more accessible for individuals and businesses to resolve outstanding obligations.

Authorities emphasize that the measure is intended to encourage compliance and provide a practical pathway for residents to get current on their accounts. By reducing additional charges, the city hopes more taxpayers will take advantage of the opportunity to settle their debts and avoid further penalties.

To find out more information about the Puerto Vallarta municipal tax relief program, visit the Puerto Vallarta Treasury Department or contact the office at +52 (322) 178-8000, extension 1106, 1175, 1209 or 1238.

See the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches for free with local fans

Although the World Cup is only coming as close to Puerto Vallarta as Guadalajara, the city is nevertheless joining the international football fever with a series of public events and displays designed to bring the tournament excitement to Jalisco’s coast for locals and visitors alike. 

From June 11 through July 19, Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors will be able to follow the World Cup matches in open-air settings for free while enjoying the city’s beach, dining and entertainment offerings.

A key feature of these free city events will be a public fan zone located near Puerto Vallarta’s municipal sports and recreation complex, the Unidad Deportiva Agustin Flores Contreras, where large outdoor screens will broadcast live matches throughout the tournament. The space is intended to allow spectators to experience the games collectively in a festive environment. Alongside match screenings, the venue will host live music, cultural activities, family entertainment and food offerings that highlight local cuisine.

Organizers say the goal is to create a welcoming space for both locals and international visitors, turning the city into a gathering point during this global event.

Nayarit leads Mexico in surfing medals at the Olimpiada Nacional

Nayarit has achieved first place nationally in surfing at the Olimpiada Nacional CONADE 2026, delivering a strong performance across multiple categories and disciplines. The state team finished with a total of 22 medals in the sport this year: 10 gold, six silver and six bronze, securing the top position in the national standings. This undoubtedly helped Jalisco garner the most medals overall in the Olimpiada Nacional this year, a total of 1,116 of them across 51 sports categories.

CONADE, or the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport, is the Mexican government agency in charge of the development and support of the nation’s competitive amateur athletes. The Olimpiada Nacional is a major vehicle for discovering promising young athletes to develop to represent Mexico in international competitions and future Olympics.

The surfing competition was held along the beaches of Bahía de Banderas, including Sayulita and Bucerías, which hosted athletes from across Mexico over several days. Events included stand-up paddle, shortboard, longboard and bodyboard competitions across various youth divisions.

Nayarit officials credited the impressive results to the strength of local training programs and the continued development of surfing talent in coastal communities. The achievement reinforces Nayarit’s growing reputation as a leading region for surfing in Mexico and highlights the talent of its young athletes.

Puerto Vallarta again recognized as a Tree City of the World

Puerto Vallarta is yet again a Tree City of the World in 2026. The international recognition is awarded to cities committed to protecting and expanding their urban forest. The program is supported by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The recognition evaluates cities based on their efforts to maintain healthy tree coverage, promote sustainability and integrate green spaces into urban development. 

Local authorities attributed coordinated planning, ongoing collaboration between government agencies and the community, continued investment in urban sustainability initiatives and long-term environmental management efforts to the city’s achieving the designation for the first time in 2025 and again in 2026.

Puerto Vallarta joins other municipalities in Jalisco being recognized for their environmental efforts, such as Guadalajara, which saw its seventh year as a Tree City of the World in 2026.

Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics, and community. You can follow along with her travel stories at www.salsaandserendipity.com.