Introduction
The Ciudad de México (CDMX) faces a critical urban challenge: increasing housing availability in consolidated areas without displacing original residents. Jefa de Gobierno Clara Brugada Molina plans to explore densification as a solution but emphasizes that it must be done sustainably and without causing gentrification.
Context of Housing Development
Mexico City has seen a slowdown in formal housing development over the past few years, with only 643 new formal units constructed between January and May 2025. This figure is a stark contrast to the 1,140 units built in 2015. Meanwhile, real estate developers claim that bureaucratic hurdles and construction restrictions limit the sector.
Brugada’s Call for Sustainable Investment
Densification aims to concentrate housing construction in already urbanized areas, preventing expansion into peripheries. This involves utilizing underutilized land, building vertically, and promoting mixed-use development. Brugada defends this strategy as essential for ensuring housing rights but insists it must be done within a legal framework.
“My presence here is a message: assure investors that doors are open for sustainable development that guarantees affordable housing for the population and respects the law,” Brugada told real estate sector representatives.
Ventanilla Única Initiative
As part of efforts to revitalize construction, the “Ventanilla Única” (Single Window) was launched in February 2023 for approving projects. Since then, the construction of 4,000 new homes has been authorized, with an expected investment of 20,000 million pesos in other developments.
Prioritizing Central Alcaldías
Brugada’s strategy focuses on promoting housing projects in areas with existing public services, particularly transportation, mobility, and water supply. Key central alcaldías like Azcapotzalco, Venustiano Carranza, and Miguel Hidalgo have potential for transformation through real estate projects on industrial or underutilized lands.
However, Brugada warns against developing areas with environmental or water conflicts, such as the southeastern part of the city.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Brugada also mentioned the resumption of the Territorial Planning and Law process. One objective is to establish a regulatory framework defining densification zones in Mexico City.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main challenge facing Mexico City? The city faces a critical urban challenge: increasing housing availability in consolidated areas without displacing original residents.
- What is Clara Brugada’s proposed solution? Brugada plans to explore densification as a solution but emphasizes that it must be done sustainably and without causing gentrification.
- What is the Ventanilla Única initiative? The “Ventanilla Única” is a streamlined process for approving construction projects, launched in February 2023.
- Which central alcaldías are prioritized for development? Azcapotzalco, Venustiano Carranza, and Miguel Hidalgo are key central alcaldías with potential for transformation through real estate projects.
- What is the goal of the Territorial Planning and Law process? The objective is to establish a regulatory framework defining densification zones in Mexico City.
