The Bank expanded its housing finance activities in the 1990s, shifting its support toward sector reforms that increase the capacity of housing finance and delivery mechanisms to cater to the needs of low-income households. The present publication examines Bank experience in housing, draws...

The search for solutions to urban and social problems prompted by informal settlements is gaining importance in the development agenda of most large cities in Latin America. Nearly 60 percent of the population lives in informal, often centrally located settlements.

This document responds to that need, providing a discussion of the various approaches that can be followed in urban heritage preservation, as well as recommendations on those that are most appropriate given the circumstances of region.

Given the limited scope and sustainability of urban heritage conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean, changes in how it is carried out and funded are needed in order to involve all social actors and use the preserved assets to meet demonstrated social needs. Based on a multidimensional...