In light of the impending reforms to the Código Orgánico de Organización Territorial, Autonomía y Descentralización (Cootad), the Municipality of Quito is initiating a public relations campaign to enhance its image and manage criticism regarding these changes. The proposed urgent law aimed at improving the efficiency of expenditure for decentralized autonomous governments (GAD) has drawn significant backlash from local authorities who believe it could encroach on their autonomy and result in a loss of essential funding. Critics assert that such reforms could jeopardize key initiatives in economic development, employment generation, and social services, particularly for vulnerable populations in Quito.

The legislation aims to ensure that at least 70% of the budget allocated to GADs is channeled into investment and maintenance, a policy that is part of the broader governmental effort to streamline expenditures and operational efficiency. However, the urgency attached to this reform, coupled with its potential implications, has raised alarms among local government officials who are concerned that their ability to govern effectively will be compromised. Additionally, they argue that the proposed changes could stifle local initiatives aimed at education and social welfare, crucial services for the community.

As the Assembly considers this reform, the proactive approach taken by the Quito municipality to launch a publicity strategy highlights the intersection of governance, public perception, and local autonomy. The forthcoming debates will likely not only define the operational frameworks of local governments but also shape the fabric of social services and development within the region. The situation underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained between central authority and local governance, as well as the ongoing tension between efficiency and autonomy in Ecuador's administrative landscape.