Climate change is increasing the magnitude and frequency of extreme events, contributing to the idea of environmental threats as a third dimension to the famous saying “nothing is certain but death and taxes”. These catastrophes affect cities' fiscal capacities, burdening municipal revenues and ultimately imposing higher taxes and painful austerity. Mayors end up being in the … [Read more...] about Ten Ideas to Improve Urban Resilence
Third Regional Housing Forum 2024: A Milestone in Sustainability and Housing
The IDB Group in coordination with the Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para los Trabajadores (INFONAVIT) and the Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano (SEDATU), held the 3rd Regional Forum on Housing 2024 "Disruptive Innovation in Sustainable Housing for Vulnerable Populations in Latin America and the Caribbean" on July 25 in Mexico City, with the … [Read more...] about Third Regional Housing Forum 2024: A Milestone in Sustainability and Housing
Informal Neighborhoods: The Dual Problem of Natural Disasters and Environmental Pollution
One in five urban households in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) lives in an informal settlement, and two-thirds of people migrating to LAC urban areas settle in these neighborhoods (Inter-American Development Bank, 2021). These residents often have low and unstable incomes, with households led by women, Indigenous people, Afro-descendants, and people with disabilities … [Read more...] about Informal Neighborhoods: The Dual Problem of Natural Disasters and Environmental Pollution
How to Optimize Subsidies for the Development of Sustainable Housing Solutions?
Housing subsidies are financial aids provided by governments or private institutions to make housing more accessible to low-income individuals and families. These subsidies can include housing vouchers, direct rental subsidies, mortgage interest tax deductions, and funds for the development of affordable housing, thereby reducing costs and facilitating access to a decent … [Read more...] about How to Optimize Subsidies for the Development of Sustainable Housing Solutions?
Strategies to Promote Social Housing in Latin American and Caribbean Cities
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face a significant challenge in addressing social exclusion in urban environments. It is estimated that at least 105 million people in LAC currently live in informal settlements (World Bank, 2020), where one-third of households belong to the lowest income quintile. These neighborhoods are characterized by a lack of basic services and … [Read more...] about Strategies to Promote Social Housing in Latin American and Caribbean Cities