Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada surrounded by people participating in a press conference, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Photo: X/@ClaraBrugadaM.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has announced a series of measures to prevent the city’s gentrification, following similar steps that have been adopted in recent years by major world capitals like Berlin. Brugada presented a 14 point-plan, including regulating housing prices, halting evictions, and guaranteeing the right to citizenship.
“The city should not be a privilege; it should be a guaranteed right for everyone,” stated the head of government during a press conference held on Wednesday, July 16, surrounded by mayors, government ministers, and parliamentarians. She noted during her address that over 60% of the population lives in overcrowded conditions.
#EnVivo ▶️ Acompáñame al evento: "Por una ciudad habitable y asequible con identidad y arraigo local". https://t.co/BotLpCsrHQ
— Clara Brugada Molina (@ClaraBrugadaM) July 16, 2025
For an affordable city
Proposed actions include rent stabilization, a reasonable rental price index, regulation of temporary rentals and digital platforms, defense of tenant rights, and promotion of a fair and affordable rent law.
Brugada plans to: build sustainable public housing; create social rental programs for young people, single mothers, senior citizens, and urban workers; support new progressive spaces; combat real-estate speculation; and promote participatory community planning. She will also pursue a heritage protection program, incentives for local businesses, community participation in inclusion policies, and a land and housing oversight committee.
Insufficient housing supply
The head of Mexico City’s municipal government explained there are over 2.7 million homes in the Mexican capital, but acknowledged these are insufficient to meet demand. Brugada stated that in some areas, rent prices increased up to 100% in one year without justification, displacing working-class families and eliminating small neighborhood businesses.
“These dynamics have a direct and painful effect,” she said, “the expulsion of residents who have lived in these neighborhoods their entire lives, working-class families who can no longer afford to live.” She noted that cities like New York, Berlin, London, Barcelona, and Paris use rent stabilization and public housing as “fundamental” tools against urban exclusion.
Finally, she called for a “great social front” to debate proposals through citizen participation, forums, discussion tables, and legislative action defending the right to the city.
Rising gentrification has recently sparked protests like the July 4 march in La Condesa neighborhood. Demonstrations are planned to continue on Sunday, with protests in southern Mexico City against rising housing costs.
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/AU
