Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/278967 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16269
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper examines the effects of renovating deteriorated public spaces on local socioeconomic outcomes. We analyze the impacts of a randomized experiment implemented in 28 fragile neighborhoods of Santiago, Chile. Our findings indicate that the renovation of local squares led to increased use and maintenance of the public space, enhanced neighborhood engagement, and a stronger sense of ownership among residents, along with a reduction in leisure activities outside the neighborhood. Moreover, treated neighborhoods experienced improvements in public security perceptions both within the square and in the broader neighborhood area. We also observe positive effects on trust (among acquaintances) and participation in community organizations. By exploring heterogeneous treatment effects across neighborhoods, we do not find evidence supporting theories emphasizing the joint determination of public security and social capital. Instead, our results suggest that the effects are better explained by increased neighborhood use, particularly in areas that are densely populated and have a higher proportion of social housing.
Subjects: 
public space recovery
crime
social capital
urban infrastructure
JEL: 
K42
O18
R53
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
384.2 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.