Corruption

Digitizing permits and business licenses

Streamlining the permitting process with a customizable, open-source platform

Piloted in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Visor Urbano program is an open-source, fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits—making the process efficient and transparent. The platform led to an 84% reduction in license processing times, as well as a 74% decrease in bribe requests. It is now being adopted in more than 100 other cities.

The Impact:

  • There was an 84% reduction in license processing times, as well as a 74% decrease in bribe requests.
  • A fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits.
  • This intervention contributed to a 21% increase in collected tax revenue.

What you can do with this idea:

  • Create a more efficient process for business and construction permitting, cutting down on wait times and ambiguous details.
  • Increase transparency by providing users visibility into business permitting to avoid unrealized tax revenue.
  • Provide support for residents looking to start a small business in your community by eliminating traditional and inconvenient barriers that prevent many from embarking on their small business venture.
Download Fact Sheet:
“The creation of Visor Urbano Guadalajara in 2016 marked a milestone in our vision of a smarter and more efficient future. Now, we are very proud to announce that this initiative is in the process of expanding, reaching more than 100 cities in Mexico, and soon, in Latin America. Together, we are building smarter cities, and incorporating innovation and technology to government practices.”

Enrique Alfaro Ramírez
Governor of Jalisco, Mexico

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