Puerto Rico House Speaker Carlos "Johnny" Méndez announced that seven municipalities will meet at the House of Representatives on Thursday, September 17, to present the first "collaborative agreements" allowing municipalities to rehabilitate, repair and maintain public street lighting systems. Méndez said this is the first round, with plans to eventually include all towns. The agreements are made possible under Law 174-2026, the "Law for Municipal Collaboration in the Installation, Repair, Maintenance and Modernization of the Public Lighting System," and Regulation No. 9774, an initiative Méndez developed with Government Commission chairman Víctor Parés since December 2025, originating as House Bill 1207.
Mayors expected to attend include Jorge Morales (Cabo Rojo), Edilberto Romero (Culebra), José Aníbal Meléndez (Fajardo), Rolando Ortiz (Cayey), O’braín Vázquez (Guayama), Miguel Romero (San Juan) and José 'Junitio' Corcino (Vieques). Parés said the meeting will establish guidelines for signing the agreements. The meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM and will include officials linked to the electrical system.