RESURGENT CITIES: MEXICO CITY
In 2015, a historic shift occurred as Mexico's Federal District was officially reconstituted into Mexico City, marking a significant milestone in response to nearly two centuries of advocacy and citizen demands. This Constitution, promulgated early 2017 and effective since the fall of 2018, embodies the aspirations of numerous generations fighting for democracy, notably including the student movements of the late 1960s, the civic engagement following the 1985 earthquake, and recent social movements advocating for urban rights.
Inspired by the Charter for the Right to the City of Mexico City, the Constitution’s bill of rights encompasses progressive provisions on housing. However, despite these constitutional strides, the reality remains stark for many inhabitants of Mexico City, with fair, adequate, accessible, and safe housing remaining out of reach for many. The challenge now lies in bridging the gap between legislative intent and practical implementation, as the city grapples with insufficient infrastructures to enforce and implement these provisions effectively.
Addressing this pressing issue requires the development of progressive policy frameworks, public instruments, and regulatory entities dedicated to translating constitutional principles into tangible actions. Invited by the former Head of the City, Claudia Sheinbaum, Urban Front currently collaborates closely with the Instituto de Planeación Democrática y Prospectiva (Institute of Democratic Planning and Prospective), alongside other public agencies and institutes, in pursuit of this objective. Central to these efforts is the development of policies and instruments promoting, improving, monitoring, and preserving affordable housing, thereby safeguarding the rich diversity that defines Mexico City's social fabric.