Playa del Carmen’s Plan to Curb Gentrification

Mexico City — During the panel "Gentrification in Mexico: An Urban and Social Phenomenon Demanding Comprehensive Solutions. Strategies to Mitigate Negative Effects and Foster Inclusive Development," held as part of EXNI 2025 in Mexico City, the Secretary of Territorial Planning of Playa del Carmen, Hernán González, presented the vision and actions being promoted by the municipality to confront the effects of gentrification and foster more balanced urban growth.

In his address, González explained that the Playa del Carmen government of Estefanía Mercado is working on updating the new Programa de Desarrollo Urbano (PDU), a tool intended to guarantee orderly, modern, and sustainable growth. "In the new PDU we are going to reserve zones for tourism and zones for housing; we are doing this in an integral way. Something very important is to regulate vacation rentals. It is not about eliminating them, but about balancing them," he stated.

The official highlighted that the municipality of Playa del Carmen has chosen to act without waiting for state or federal support, implementing local solutions with a direct impact on the community. One example is the creation of a municipal trust that will allow for the utilization of more than 200 plots of land donated by developers—small spaces that are not useful for schools or clinics.

"We will be able to rent them to private parties, and all of that income will be destined for the maintenance of Playa del Carmen's parks. All the parks will have guards, wireless networks, lighting, and courts in perfect condition thanks to that trust," he detailed.

González further underscored the urgency of regularizing irregular settlements that affect the region's subterranean ecosystem. "To the south of Playa del Carmen there is a spiderweb of subterranean rivers. If we do not act, the drainage systems end up contaminating the water table. My personal goal is to contribute to resolving that problem and protecting the Mayan underworld that lies beneath us," he expressed.

The secretary concluded his participation by agreeing with other panelists that the solution to gentrification involves generating more housing supply, reinforcing urban planning, and applying public policies that balance private investment with the permanence of the local population.

Destination Challenges

Following the panel, Hernán González spoke with Quinta Fuerza and elaborated on the specific challenges facing Playa del Carmen, one of the country's most dynamic tourist destinations. "Gentrification is a worldwide phenomenon. We are updating the new PDU because we believe that, with modern and sustainable planning, the effects of gentrification can be balanced," he explained.

The secretary specified that one of the greatest challenges is regulating vacation housing, to prevent its disproportionate expansion from driving up prices in residential areas or affecting small hoteliers.

"When vacation rentals become too concentrated in residential areas, prices go up for locals. But if they are pushed into the hotel zone, they also harm small hoteliers. That is why the key is urban balance," he affirmed.

Finally, the official highlighted the commitment of Municipal President Estefanía Mercado, with whom—he said—he shares a constant work dynamic. "We are working 24/7. Today we are here in Mexico City, and tomorrow we return to Playa del Carmen to continue working for all the people of Playa."