Meet the IURC LAC cities working on affordable housing

Across Europe and Latin America, cities are working together to advance more accessible, affordable and sustainable housing solutions.

Through the IURC Latin America and the Caribbean programme, these cities collaborate within the Community of Practice on Affordable Housing to exchange knowledge, address shared challenges and explore solutions ranging from regulatory frameworks and land management to urban planning, housing renovation, neighbourhood rehabilitation and integrated governance.

Discover the cities driving cooperation for more affordable and inclusive housing.

Río de Janeiro | Brazil

🏙️ 6.3 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 1.200,00 km² of territory

Rio de Janeiro addresses climate adaptation and resilience in a highly complex urban and coastal environment. The city promotes nature-based solutions, flood risk management and climate governance, linking environmental action with social inclusion and urban regeneration.

Barcelona | Spain

🏙️ 1.7 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 101,00 km2 of territory

Barcelona is a global reference in urban regeneration, climate action and smart city development. The city integrates neighbourhood-based regeneration, social inclusion, low-emission mobility and digital innovation through initiatives such as superblocks, retrofitting of housing estates, climate shelters and data-driven urban management, reinforcing resilience, social inclusion and quality of life.

Cartagena de Indias | Colombia

🏙️ 1.1 m inhabitants | 🗺️ 609,00 km² of territory

Cartagena de Indias integrates sustainable territorial planning, affordable housing and water management in informal settlements. The city addresses climate vulnerability and inequality through inclusive urban development, coastal resilience and regeneration while guaranteeing social cohesion.

Concepción | Chile

🏙️ 230 k inhabitants | 🗺️ 222,00 km² of territory

Concepción promotes sustainable mobility and climate adaptation of riverfront areas as part of a broader urban sustainability strategy. The city strengthens public transit, urban connectivity and citizen participation while supporting economic and institutional innovation towards social sustainability and resilience.

About IURC LAC

IURC Latin America and the Caribbean, part of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, connects cities and regions from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe to co-create sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven solutions. Through peer-to-peer exchange and partnerships, the programme contributes to improving citizens’ quality of life while strengthening global cooperation.

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