Introduction
The Mexican capital, Ciudad de México (CDMX), faces a growing housing pressure due to rising prices, displacement of residents, and speculative real estate activities. The city government has decided to take a more active role, focusing on public investment in affordable housing, rent regulation, and a new urban development model.
Key Player: César Cravioto, Secretary of Government
César Cravioto, the Secretary of Government for CDMX, clarified in an interview that the administration under Clara Brugada is not against private investment but emphasizes the need for balance and clear rules to protect communities.
Bando 1 Strategy
Cravioto defended the strategy outlined in Bando 1, which includes 14 points to tackle gentrification. Key aspects include rent regulation, tenant rights advocacy, and support for residential construction.
Addressing Gentrification
– How does the CDMX government approach gentrification, and what is their perspective?
The government has implemented various policies, but the most crucial is ensuring affordable housing. From Clara Brugada’s first budget, resources have been allocated to build affordable housing. The clear message is that unprecedented resources will be dedicated to constructing affordable housing. This year, 9,000 million pesos have been allocated, compared to 5,000 million pesos last year.
The government aims to prevent residents from being displaced due to economic reasons. Instead, they want people to stay rooted in their neighborhoods, allowing future generations to live where their ancestors did.
– What is the objective of Bando 1?
Bando 1 is a 14-point strategy to combat gentrification. It was announced after consultations with experts and following the first protest against gentrification.
The government will review legislative changes required for implementation in the upcoming ordinary session. The Secretariat of Territorial Order will advance on these 10 zones with housing tension.
– When Bando 1 was introduced, there were concerns about rent control. Will the government revert to frozen rents?
Cravioto stated categorically: “We will not return to frozen rents in CDMX.” The existing Civil Code already regulates rent increases based on annual inflation. The government will ensure compliance with this law, especially in high-tension housing zones.
– CDMX lacks available land for affordable housing construction. Where will new developments take place?
The government aims to eliminate vacant land in central areas, not green spaces. They will seek agreements with property owners who can no longer afford to maintain their homes, allowing more families to live in those properties.
– Developers complain about lengthy permit processes for expanding housing offerings. How will the government address this issue?
Recently, the government announced a plan to expedite construction permits for affordable housing, as well as developments with pre-approved water, road, and environmental clearances.
– Critics claim that government actions threaten private property rights. How does the government respond?
Cravioto clarified, “We are not attacking private property rights; we are defending them so people can live where they grew up.” The government aims to balance collective interests with individual ambitions, ensuring fairer mechanisms for all without infringing on private property.
Key Questions and Answers
- How does the CDMX government address gentrification? The government prioritizes affordable housing, ensuring resources are allocated to build it. They aim to prevent displacement and maintain community stability.
- What is the objective of Bando 1? Bando 1 is a comprehensive strategy with 14 points to tackle gentrification, including rent regulation and tenant rights advocacy.
- Will the government revert to frozen rents? No, the existing Civil Code regulates rent increases based on annual inflation. The government will ensure compliance with this law.
- Where will new affordable housing developments take place? The government aims to eliminate vacant land in central areas and seek agreements with property owners who can no longer afford to maintain their homes.
- How will the government address lengthy permit processes for housing construction? The government plans to expedite construction permits for affordable housing and developments with pre-approved clearances.
- Do government actions threaten private property rights? No, the government aims to balance collective interests with individual ambitions, ensuring fairer mechanisms for all without infringing on private property.
