Replicating Sustainable Rural Cities MAP 224

1. Replicating Sustainable Rural Cities MAP 224 28 April 2010

2. What is the agenda? • Discuss project timeline and work completed • Highlight significant findings • Present main recommendations • Discuss recommendations in detail • Discuss Individual learnings

3. What did we do? Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

4. What was our methodology? • 5 weeks of in-country research • 8 presentations and interviews in Mexico City • 27 Scheduled presentations and interviews in Chiapas • Numerous interviews with NJG residents • Telephone consultations with Dr. Josh Ruxin and Dr. Stu Hart • Secondary research compiled from 8 published sources Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

5. How did we divide our study? Community Development & Government Relations • Governing Structure • Resident Recruitment • Community Building Services Infrastructure • Education • Health • Social Services • Access to Financial Services • Urban Planning • Public Buildings • City Services 5 Pillars of Sustainable Rural Communities Housing Business • Ownership • Design • Construction • Managing the Economy • Managing Businesses Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

6. What are we delivering? • The material for an interactive website consisting of: • Inspirational video documentary clips highlighting all aspects of the community • Handbook text detailing the history of existing community, background research and best practices for implementation • A list of recommendations that Fundación Azteca can use to improve existing aspects of NJG and future Sustainable Rural Cities Overview video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

7. What were our key findings? What worked well? What could be improved? • The entire community has potable water • Subsidies enabled residents to enter the community with low initial investment • Intelligent urban planning created a foundation for long-term success Infrastructure • Reduce residence dependence on subsidies • Eco-friendly garbage management plan needs to be implemented • Extend high-quality road system beyond community boundaries Pillar video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

8. What were our key findings? What are the key considerations for replication? • Ensure critical services of potable water, electricity, and communications are in place for the sustainable rural city to succeed in the long term • Partner with local government for funding and implementation of infrastructure-related projects • Leverage universities and regional architectural experts to provide important skills and expertise for city planning and urban development Infrastructure Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

9. What were our key findings? What worked well? What could be improved? Housing • Women are successfully engaged in housing process • Cultural preferences were incorporated during planning process • Flexibility in the floor plan allows for customization • Reconsider housing rules to increase flexibility • Refine the housing layouts and materials selection • Increase collaboration with residents in planning & construction phases Pillar video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

10. What were our key findings? What are the key considerations for replication? Housing • Establish ownership rules and regulations aligned with project strategy • Consider regional and cultural preferences in home design • Design housing with flexibility in mind • Engage residents in home construction • Leverage stakeholder relationships and local resources to develop cost efficiencies Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

11. What were our key findings? What worked well? What could be improved? Services • Pre-screening process effectively defined infrastructure/ service portfolio of education and health • Coordination among several stakeholders raised funds for services infrastructure • Broad set of social service programs is supporting families • Expand access to basic financial service education/ products and microfinance programs • Introduce high school (preparatoria) level to the education program • Develop “practical training programs” based on regional needs Pillar video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

12. What were our key findings? What are the key considerations for replication? Services • Develop a deep understanding of the region and population that will form the new community • Partner with local government for funding, implementation and maintenance of service-related projects • Consider and reflect potential effects of population growth and demographic changes in service infrastructure Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

13. What were our key findings? What worked well? What could be improved? Business • Infrastructure and technology are in place to support future growth • Good support structure in place for entrepreneurs • The process of changing the mindset of entrepreneurs has begun • Establish a roadmap that enables entrepreneurs to prosper • Support collaboration between agricultural producers to extend distribution • Improve the process for selecting businesses in the community Pillar video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

14. What were our key findings? What are the key considerations for replication? Business • Find one or two businesses that are viable at large volumes and grow those businesses to be major community employers • Define the correct mechanism to filter businesses development and leadership • Ensure that there is a clear government exit strategy to avoid long term dependence on subsidies Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

15. What were our key findings? What worked well? What could be improved? • A majority of people joined the new community • Adapted existing governance structure • Services were delivered as promised • Limits of government and foundation involvement need definition • Strengthen communication between community and government • Introduce more community activities Community Development & Government Relations Pillar video Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

16. What were our key findings? What are the key considerations for replication? • Gain alignment with local leaders in resident recruitment  process • Establish leadership roles and community rules • Foster community development via common social spaces and activities • Develop community maintenance strategy Community Development & Government Relations Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

17. What are our recommendations? • Business Pillar: • Develop one or two major businesses (labor and/or land based) to feature increased volumes, trading contracts with major retailers, and a distinct “sustainable community” brand • Develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce or eliminate government support over the long term • Infrastructure, Service and Housing Pillars: • Establish metrics and success rates to determine stability of the community which will inform responsible expansion • Government and Community Development Pillar: • Enhance communication system to promote a clear feedback loop among government officials, community leaders and residents Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

18. How to develop and scales businesses? Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

19. How to expand responsibly? Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224

20. How to enhance communication? Source: MAP 2010 – Team 224