Villa 20 rising: A community shaping its own future in Argentina
A home is more than just shelter—it is a source of dignity, stability, and connection to the community. In a way, it can become our identity. Yet for decades, the residents of Villa 20, one of Buenos Aires’s historic informal settlements, lived without official addresses, access to basic public services, or even clean drinking water. Their neighborhood, though full of life, remained almost invisible to the city around them.
In 2016, the government launched Proyecto Integral de Reurbanización (PIRU), an ambitious urbanization initiative aimed at improving housing and infrastructure in informal settlements. The plan included 1,665 new homes, upgrades to existing housing, and long-overdue access to electricity, water, and sewage systems.
But real change isn’t just about new buildings—it’s about ensuring that residents have a say in shaping their future. Grecia Guzmán, a teacher, activist, and architect, and Laura Arévalos, a teacher, audiovisual producer, and community worker, have spent their lives in Villa 20. They, along with other residents and activists, wanted to track the project’s impact: Were the improvements truly benefiting the people? Were residents included in decision-making?
To answer these questions, civic group ACIJ (Civil Association for Equality and Justice) developed a methodology using open data and citizen participation to monitor progress. In 2021 and 2023, OCP partnered with ACIJ to assess the urbanization’s real effects. By analyzing government contracts, city budgets, and resident surveys, the community gained a clearer picture of what had been achieved and what still needed attention.
Little by little we got involved, telling them ‘Well, we know the neighborhood, we have particular knowledge, we are teachers, we are master builders, we are electricians, we are bricklayers and we understand what is happening and we want to participate in the decisions.
Today, Villa 20 is changing. Residents report better housing, improved public services, and stronger infrastructure. Just as importantly, the project has fostered a culture of accountability, strengthening the connection between communities, civil society organizations, and the government. By giving residents the tools to monitor progress and advocate for their needs, this initiative ensures that the transformation of Villa 20 is not just a promise, but a reality.
