ALCALDÍA IZTAPALAPA
The Pitch
The Mayor’s Office of Iztapalapa (Alcaldía Iztapalapa) addressed issues of widespread violence and degraded public parks in the neighborhood by creating UTOPIAS: spaces for public access to the outdoors, sports and art facilities and wellness workshops. This encouraged a revival of public art and improved safety and living conditions.
The Problem
Iztapalapa’s lack of public space and inequitable living conditions created the perception that the neighborhood was the poorest and most violent area in Mexico City.
The Process
- Created new public facilities in Iztapalapa, providing new outdoor spaces and resources for families
- Used a participatory process
- Formed eight project monitoring committees
The Impact
- Completed 13 UTOPIAS (three more are in progress) since 2021, creating 291,386 square meters of public space and offering a wide range of public amenities including auditoriums, multidisciplinary art spaces, pools, a library, mental and physical health services and more
- Unites community members and enriches the local culture and arts scene via educational workshops: For example, UTOPIA Papalotl offers free, public photography workshops and UTOPIA Meyehualco offers a school of music for children and young adults
- Added 7,000+ murals
- Lowered the number of assaults and robberies against women and improved security perceptions among inhabitants by improving public spaces and community cohesion and adding public art
- Inspired governments in and outside of Mexico City, such as in Milpa Alta, the Municipalities of Chimalhuacán and Nezahualcóyotl, and more
