on Jan 27, 2026

HR&A contributes to a newly published white paper on value creation and participation in Colombian cities for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

We’re excited to share a newly published white paper from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, co-authored by HR&A Senior Principal Ignacio Montojo, Senior Analyst Harman Singh Dhodi, and Juan Sebastián Moreno. This study examines how six Colombian cities use tools that allow local governments to participate in property value increases following public investments like roads or transit, to support new and existing public services and infrastructure.

 

Their research found that success depends heavily on strong local government capacity and transparent processes. Cities like Marinilla, Tocancipá, and Armenia that have skilled staff, clear rules, and the ability to accurately assess property values, generate more stable revenue, and earn greater public trust. Meanwhile, cities like Bello, Gachancipá, and Valledupar struggle because they rely on outside companies or national agencies to value land, making enforcement harder and reducing transparency.

 

The key insight: it matters less who conducts the valuations and more that those valuations are accurate, trusted by residents, and aligned with local priorities.

 

The study recommends strengthening Colombia’s national cadastral authority, improving coordination between national and local governments, and investing in cities’ ability to manage these programs themselves so these tools can become a reliable, equitable funding source that reflects community needs.

 

Read the full paper from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy here.