A STRATEGIC VISION FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING, SERVICE PROVISION AND LAND MARKETS: LESSONS FROM URBAN PRACTITIONERS By: Gabriel Nagy Independent International Consultant Urban Specialist, Msc. Urban Development Planning 535 Chandler Ave. Geneva Il, 60134 Tel. (630) 262 0353 Fax. (312) 782 6699 e-mail:
[email protected] This paper summarizes some of the urban practices in Colombia and is intended to analyze the participation of informal sector, the formal solutions and the local institutional approach to provide land, housing and utilities. Main effects on urban development and land markets are hereby laid down, even though it is indeed necessary to deepen in the study, lessons and conclusions of these experiences as strategies to promote development and improve the quality of life of poor urban communities. Informal development, sale of property land rights through the “Asociación La Tierra Prometida” (“Promised Land Association”), and the Bogotá mayor's office program on Settlement Legalization and Upgrading (1998-2000), become effective strategies to solve the need for housing, to overcome urban poverty and to improve the living conditions of low-income families. Introduction During the seventies and the eighties, Bogotá maintained high population growth rates, becoming the highest national rate for the last 30 years1. Back in 1964, the population of Bogotá represented less than 10.00% of the total added four main cities all over the country. In 1993, whilst Cali and Medellín increased their participation by a little more than 4.00%, Bogotá exceeded 14.5%. Growth rate of 2.35% as calculated by the DAPD (Departamento Administrativo de Planeación Distrital / Bogotá Planning Agency) for 2000, could still broaden the gap during the next decade.