This paper deals with the multiple transformations of Mexican social infrastructure policy, including privatization, decentralization, and desectorization, and looks at its implementation in three rural areas. Two main arguments will be developed: firstly, decentralization and privatization in this sector have not led to the retreat of the State, either physically or symbolically. Secondly, these reforms have not given rise to a single model of public services because the implementation of the policy is strongly influenced by local configurations among political and economic actors, which implies different types of mediation.