The objective is to demonstrate the dependency relationship between the number of poor people in each municipality and the index that measures municipal institutional capacities (MICI). Using a quantitative strategy, a descriptive analysis of the evolution of municipal poverty in Mexico (SDG 1) from 2010 to 2020 was conducted. A linear regression model was constructed using the ordinary least squares method, using the number of poor people and public service coverage as dependent variables (with normalized data) and the MICI. The results corroborate a significant dependency relationship between these variables. This should translate into an effort by relevant stakeholders to develop strategies and implement public and private programs that develop and consolidate municipal institutional capacities, especially those that can improve the well-being of the population. The advancement of the SDGs requires the strengthening of institutional capacities.