City Profile

Mexico City is densely populated with an urban population of 18.3 million. The capital of Mexico sits at a high altitude and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements in the Western Hemisphere. While tourism generates significant economic opportunity, the main industries are related to the construction and production of iron and steel, textiles, plastics and furniture, amongst other goods.

Mexico city scores highly in Investor Attractiveness, owing to limited risk, relatively low cost of land and an improving business environment.

The city's proximity to a large consumer market, USA, relatively low labour costs and free trade agreements are also factors that improve the city's position amongst investors.

The city, however, requires immediate attention to improve Urban Management and Governance, as well as aspects of Liveability. Immediate urban planning efforts should be targeted towards improving safety, mobility and congestion. Its rapid urban expansion and climate change has created a severe water crisis, that is exacerbated by aging water infrastructure.

Case study

Arup has worked with Rockefeller Foundation, The Resilience Shift, SIWI using the City Water Resilience Approach (CWRA) helps cities plan and implement actions to build resilient urban water systems. A critical first step in this process is understanding the local water system, and the factors that contribute to or detract from resilience. Read Mexico City's water characterisation report and key resiliency factors that Arup had identified.
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