Mapping the actors: Anchor institutions and walkability projects in Southern Mexico City

Abstract

Anchor institutions are playing an increasingly prominent role in urban development and revitalization efforts across Latin American cities, including initiatives to enhance walkability. An anchor institution is a large, locally rooted organization (e.g., a hospital, university, etc.) whose long-term sustainability is tied to the wellbeing of the community it serves, playing a significant role in shaping that community’s development. While the role of anchor institutions in urban revitalization has been well-documented in the global North, their influence in the global South, including in walkability projects, remains understudied. This article investigates the actors involved in the walkability interventions proposed by a privately funded urban regeneration initiative from a university anchor institution in southern Mexico City. Drawing on 22 semi-structured interviews and 29 participant observations, 47 actors were identified as being involved with the development and implementation of walkability projects, of which 18 had direct or indirect relationships via the anchor institution. Our findings suggest that the lack of relationships and communication with key stakeholders fosters a disconnect between the lead anchor institution and its ability to coordinate walkability interventions over the long term. We conclude by discussing how the complexity of actor relationships influences walkability efforts, alongside the evolving role of anchor institutions in urban planning and development in Latin America.