The City Statute () is a federal law (Law 10.257) passed in
Brazil
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by area, fifth-largest country by area and the List of countries and dependencies by population ...
in 2001 that builds on the
Federal Constitution of Brazil to create a new legal-urban order to provide land access and equity in large urban cities. It is premised on the idea of the
Right to the city
The Right to the City is a concept and slogan that emphasizes the need for inclusivity, accessibility, and democracy in urban spaces. The idea was first articulated by French philosopher Henri Lefebvre in his 1968 book , in which he argued that ...
and emerged as a result of many years of popular struggle.
["Implementing the Right to the City in Brazil?"](_blank)
''Sustainable Cities Collective'', 2012
It has two main functions. The first is to ensure that the 'social function' of urban land and buildings is put before their commercial value. This has been defined as "the prioritization of
use value
Use value () or value in use is a concept in classical political economy and Marxist economics. It refers to the tangible features of a commodity (a tradeable object) which can satisfy some human requirement, want or need, or which serves a usef ...
over exchange value".
The second is to ensure 'democratic city management'. This has been defined as "a path to plan, produce, operate and govern cities subject to social control and participation."
Critiques
It has been argued that, although the legislation is pro-poor, elite actors have been able to use their power to operate in a manner that still privileges elite interests.
Misusing the City Statute in São Paulo
Patricia Rodrigues Samora, ''Polis'', 2012
References
External links
The City Statute of Brazil: A commentary
''The Cities Alliance'', 2010
Implementing the Right to the City in Brazil?
''Sustainable Cities Collective, 2012
Urban planning
Slums in South America
Brazilian legislation
{{Brazil-law-stub