Cities in Transition: Insights from Three Latin American Cities on Urban Growth, Governance, and Sustainable Development

In 2015, the Inter-American Development Bank reported that nearly 80 percent of the Latin American population lived in cities, a figure projected to reach 90 percent by 2040. In addition to being the most urbanized region in the world, Latin America is also the most unequal. This research explores the challenges and possibilities of equitable urban development in Latin America by evaluating how cities perform across four key dimensions: functionality, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic value. Drawing from historical context and case studies of El Alto (Bolivia), Brasília (Brazil), and Medellín (Colombia), this thesis examines patterns of urban growth shaped by colonial legacies, state planning, and informal systems. Special attention is given to satellite cities and new cities as two dominant models of expansion, demonstrating that outcomes depend less on typology and more on the role of the state in shaping access and investment. Based on these findings, a set of best practices is proposed, including inclusive public-private partnerships, regional connectivity, climate-resilient innovation, and participatory planning. As urbanization slows across Latin America, this moment presents a critical opportunity to reorient policy toward more equitable development.