Sustainable urban development in the metropolitan areas of Morelia and Querétaro, 2000-2024. Evaluation of land use policies.

Abstract

The article examines urban growth in the metropolitan areas of Morelia and Querétaro between 2000 and 2024, highlighting problems related to uncontrolled horizontal expansion, land-use change, and the commodification of protected natural areas. The main objective is to identify the factors driving these processes and their social, environmental, and economic implications in order to propose guidelines for sustainable growth. The research followed a qualitative exploratory-descriptive design, drawing on official documents, legislation, city council records, semi-structured interviews, academic literature, press reports, and cartographic interpretation. Results show that exclusive real estate developments targeting high-income groups have fueled urban expansion in both cities, supported by weak regulatory frameworks, institutional fragility, and neoliberal policies. This dynamic has deepened territorial and social inequalities while degrading strategic ecosystems, underscoring the urgency of strengthening territorial planning and governance mechanisms to achieve sustainable urban development.