Recent developments in urban marginality along Mexico's northern border

This paper analyzes recent developments in urban marginality along Mexico's northern border. The northern border in the last two decades has undergone a significant economic transformation as well as an explosive population growth. The paper emphasizes that in spite of impressive economic indicators border cities in Mexico urban marginality continue; that is, economic gains have not trickled down as it would be expected. Urban marginality is defined here based on access to basic public services such as water, sewer and electricity. A discussion of market failures and government failures is presented to evaluate to what extent or degree marginality can be attributed to one or the other. The main finding of this paper is that although there has been some quantitative improvement in delivery of services, access and distribution have been uneven; therefore, marginality among lower-income groups continues. The key conclusion in the paper points towards the need of strengthening and developing planning institutions that would give local governments the tools to manage urban growth such as asserting their eminent domain power to improve land markets and accessibility to poor people to formal housing; fiscal powers as well as professionalizing city managers.