Model of a Modern Metropolis: with over three million residents, Medellin today appears to be on the path to the kind of civil stability and more inclusive prosperity that has long seemed its destiny.

• Author: Holston, Mark
• Position: Essay

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

On the surface, Colombia's second largest city seems to be doing just about everything right. Its urban planning effort, health care services, delivery of a broad range of public utilities, and transportation system are all highly innovative and the envy of the region. Popular mayor Alonso Salazar is now responding to requests from the beleaguered chief executives of other large cities to share what Medellin has learned in its remarkable transition from one of the world's most dangerous cities to one of its most impressive urban success stories.

It has not been an easy road. The city's association with drug-related violence--personified by the presence for several decades of its infamous native son, narco kingpin Pablo Escobar and his feared Medellin cartel--overshadowed its centuries-old reputation as a regional trade and manufacturing center. Although Escobar died in a hail of police gunfire in 1993 and the city began the slow process of recovery from the climate of fear and violence, the world was slow to take notice. Long after the city had taken important steps to resuscitate its image, the international news media continued to dwell on Medellin's troubled past. One article in a particularly distinguished publication, headlined "Stories from an Urban War," drew the wrath of then mayor Sergio Pajardo. "An article like this harms thousands of people who work, dream, and put all their efforts towards creating new and better opportunities for everyone," he wrote in a strong rebuttal.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Medellin's recent success can be observed from many different vantage points.The rooftop patio of a three-story dwelling in Envigado in one. Owner Octavio Villegas smiles broadly as he takes in the scene around him. Neighborhood women mosey unhurriedly on their way home from afternoon shopping trips. In the nearby plaza, men gather in the shade to play card games. "It's hard to believe that Pablo Escobar grew up just a few blocks from here," he adds. "We were once known as the birthplace of Pablo; today Envigado is known for its tranquility."

Villegas' presence in this quiet residential district represents a new trend. A native of Medellin, he left decades ago seeking employment opportunities in the United States but returned three years ago to take advantage of the progress the city has recently made. "I saw an opportunity here, and so far, I'm happy I made the move," he comments. "I've seen the improvements in...