Urban studies
Gentrification Observatory
The Gentrification Observatory of Palma XXI is an initiative that has monitored the gentrification process in Palma since 2016. This phenomenon is manifested as the displacement of the traditional resident population by another with greater purchasing power, especially in the historic center, but increasingly extending to neighborhoods previously considered peripheral. The Observatory analyzes changes in the real estate market, housing, commerce, and social life, aiming to highlight the impacts of gentrification and propose measures to mitigate its negative effects.
Leading Entity
Palma XXI
Year
2024
Key Partnerns
Neighborhood Associations, Palma City Council
State of the Project
Ongoing
Keywords
Gentrification, overtourism
Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
Gentrification in Palma has grown intensely in recent years, driven by platforms like Airbnb and the attraction of weekend tourism and second homes for people from northern Europe. This phenomenon has led to an increase in rental and housing purchase prices, causing local residents to be displaced by people with higher purchasing power. The displacement of local residents is causing a loss of identity in many neighborhoods, as well as the homogenization of the commercial model.
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The Solution
The Gentrification Observatory of Palma XXI has developed a system to monitor key indicators of gentrification, analyzing data such as housing price increases, evictions, the loss of local commerce, and demographic changes in affected neighborhoods. Through periodic reports, qualitative interviews, and collaboration with residents and researchers, the Observatory provides valuable information to understand the impact of gentrification and work on solutions. Additionally, the Observatory promotes citizen participation and public awareness about this issue.
Key Initiatives
- Report Publication: The observatory publishes reports on the state of gentrification in various neighborhoods in Palma.
- Indicator Monitoring: Tracking of the real estate market, tourist rentals, evictions, and other indicators that demonstrate the gentrification process.
- Citizen Participation: Encourages resident involvement through qualitative interviews and dialogue spaces with affected residents and experts.
Impact
- Highlighting the Issue: The observatory has been key in bringing attention to the negative effects of gentrification in Palma, helping to raise awareness among both citizens and public administrations about the need to intervene in this process.
- Proposed Solutions: The observatory has proposed measures to mitigate the impact of gentrification, such as regulating tourist rentals, protecting local businesses, and promoting affordable housing.
Key Partners
- Palma XXI: Main organizer of the project.
- Iniciatives del Mediterrani Foundation: Partner organization that has supported studies and research.
- Neighborhood Associations: Civic entities through which information and data about each neighborhood are accessed.
- Palma City Council: Provides relevant information and data for monitoring gentrification in the city.
Future Outlook
The project will continue with the publication of annual reports and the expansion of its monitoring to other areas of Palma showing signs of gentrification, as well as the promotion of sustainable solutions to preserve the residential and commercial life of the city.
Learn More
For more details on the reports published by the Gentrification Observatory of Palma XXI, visit the Palma XXI website.
