Federation of Mayors launches training series to strengthen municipal management and address opioid crisis.

The president of the Mayors Federation, Gabriel “Gaby” Hernández Rodríguez, announced the workshop series at the Institute for Municipal Development.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Federation of Mayors has announced the launch of a new series of professional development workshops for municipal public employees, part of its recently created Municipal Development Institute. The initiative aims to equip local government staff with updated tools and training in key areas of public service and administration, beginning with a focus on the opioid crisis, the use and administration of Narcan, and guidance on the Opioid Settlement.

Gabriel “Gaby” Hernández Rodríguez, president of the federation and mayor of Camuy, said the institute will help municipalities better address complex situations while improving day‑to‑day operations. He emphasized that strengthening municipal capacity is essential for more efficient and responsible local governance that benefits communities across the island.

The first workshop, scheduled for April 10, will be led by Dr. Eduardo J. Zavala Mendoza, a public health researcher with the Puerto Rico Department of Health. The session will examine the opioid epidemic from a public health perspective and will include instruction on properly administering Narcan as well as an overview of the provisions and requirements of the Opioid Settlement.

Later in April, a second seminar will be offered for municipal finance directors. That session will cover budget development, management of special funds, and the processing of sales tax (IVU) on online purchases through the SURI platform, in coordination with the Department of the Treasury. Attendees will also receive guidance on implementing Law 72‑2025, which creates a framework for collaboration between the Treasury Department and COFIM to improve municipal IVU administration and collections.

The training calendar continues in early May with workshops for staff from Municipal Emergency Management Offices. Those sessions aim to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities for critical or emergency situations.

Ángel Morales, executive director of the federation, described the Municipal Development Institute as a structured training platform designed to offer relevant content aligned with the needs of public service. He noted that the program covers operational, fiscal, and emergency management topics to enhance the efficiency of municipal governments.

Hernández Rodríguez added that the project is part of a broader strategy to reinforce administrative capacity and improve the quality of services provided to residents throughout Puerto Rico.