ELLA Policy Brief: Urban Upgrading With Social Inclusion: The Case of Villa Tranquila

Abstract

The case study of Villa Tranquila (VT) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, shows the power of a slum upgrading process centred on a local policy of social inclusion. The intervention was characterised by an integral approach: urban problems were addressed by a participative-collaborative management structure between the local government and VT residents, and rather than only focusing on infrastructure like roads and housing, social issues were also addressed. This case offers an interesting model for achieving social cohesion, community appropriation and sustainability in slum upgrading, one that could be applied in other regions as well. Key Lessons: •Implementing slum upgrading from a perspective of social inclusion helps to improve not only the basic living conditions of residents but also increases social integration and trust, and facilities new partnerships, both within and with surrounding neighbourhoods. •Leveraging municipal, provincial and national programmes, all within the slum upgrading project, was a cost-effective way to address residents’ cross-cutting needs. •The creation of neighbourhood committees to promote and organise community participation in the project enabled its collaborative management