Spatial Democracy: Building Capacity for Urban Transformation in Latin America

2020–2025

Researchers:

Ignacio Cardona, PI

Carlos Ocariz, Norelys Lucena, Co-PI

Institution:

Petare Latam Foundation

Funding:

National Endowment for Democracy (NED), $242,000/year

Location:

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru

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The Spatial Democracy Institute developed an educational and project-based framework connecting democratic governance with urban and territorial transformation across seven Latin American countries. More than 1,200 leaders from over 120 institutions participated in programs addressing participatory and innovative governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, urban governance, public-private partnerships, communication, and project management.

Rather than treating education as an end in itself, the program supported participants in translating democratic principles into more than 270 projects developed within their communities and institutions. Projects ranged from waterfronts, public parks, and transit-oriented development to land titling, community facilities, and agreements with street vendors, connecting spatial transformation with participation, inclusion, civic education, accountability, and other dimensions of democratic governance.