This paper explores whether improvements in state capacity and infrastructure at the local level can have a broad impact in poor and violent communities. It focuses on public works project in the city Medellín, Colombia. The survey results reveal that citizens of comunas Popular and Santa Cruz, which are served by the library park Biblioteca España, perceive their situation to be improving at a faster rate than those of the city in general. As such, it is a prime example of a public policy intervention that focuses on social inclusion, the provision of services, and quality of life. The broader lesson for other countries and cities facing similar challenges is that leadership and reforms do have the potential to improve the quality of life, even in the most troubled areas.
Key findings:
- The perceived improvements coincide with the opening of the library park, suggesting that it had a direct and positive impact on the comunas. The library park’s impact is likely to have been augmented by other city-wide improvements.
- Although local trends must be examined within a broader context, Medellín has been the site of innovative local plans that have improved the lives of some of its poorest citizens. Previously, Holmes, Gutierrez de Piñeres and Curtin (2008) stressed the importance of comprehensive progress that simultaneously pursues military dominance, improved state capacity, a strong political community, and economic growth.
- The city of Medellín has taken advantage of the opportunities created by both decentralization and the improved security situation to create and implement bold plans for improved quality of life even in some of the most troubled parts of the city. Given the improve-ment in services, increased city spending, and inclusive policies, it is not surprising that citizens regard their community and the local government more positively than one would expect given their low socioeconomic status. The increased resources and outreach to these historically marginalized neighborhoods has had a clear impact on the community.
- The imperfect progress in marginalized urban areas such as these two comunas bodes well for the consolidation of security, improved quality of life, and the promotion of long-term development in Colombia.
