Bogotá: A Model of Urban Bogotá: A Model of Urban HappinessHappiness

Key: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary

Where is Bogotá? What is urban happiness?

Inspired LeadershipInspired Leadership• Former mayor Enrique Peñalosa transformed Bogotá.

once corrupt, crime-infested, polluted, and congested now stands as a model for the development of urban

happiness

What changes do you think Peñalosa made?

Mayor’sMayor’s ComprehensiveComprehensive Policies Policies• limited automobile usage• emphasis on public transit, parks, bike paths, and

public spaces

How might citizens benefit from limited automobile usage? Can you think of any possible disadvantages?

Happiness EconomicsHappiness Economics• The mayor’s decision was based on the principles of

happiness economics. A population’s level of happiness is a greater measure of success than per capita income or the strength of national currency.

In your opinion, what makes people happy?

Principles of Happiness EconomicsPrinciples of Happiness Economics• sense of safety through trust and positive interaction

Peñalosa created world’s longest pedestrian walkwayFreeways are closed every Sunday: two million people

interact in a huge festival.

• sense of equality Income gaps create unhappiness for the poor. Mayor organized free concerts and firework displays

accessible to rich and poor. instituted bike pathways so cyclists (poorest sector of the

population) feel sense of entitlement

Explain how Peñalosa created a sense of safety and equality for his citizens.

Equality in TransportationEquality in Transportation• Peñalosa put money into TransMileno.

rapid transit bus system with dedicated bus lanes minimal investment cuts emissions transports more thanone million people per day

Describe the transit system in your city.

Sanctions on Driving Sanctions on Driving • Instead of building huge network of elevated freeways

imposed sanctions on driving during rush hour. banned parking on sidewalks. instigated a car-free day. levied a gas tax.

Do you think sanctions should be placed on driving in your city?

People over CarsPeople over Cars• developed public spaces, parks, libraries, and schools• supplied running water for the poor• trees planted in marginalneighborhoods

Do you agree or disagree with the policies implemented by Peñalosa?

Peñalosa:Peñalosa: A VisionaryA Visionary• changed the mindset of a city

improved crime and poverty rates and traffic congestion created a sense of pride, self-esteem, and belonging qualitative difference over time

What is a visionary? How was Peñalosa a visionary?

Complete TurnaroundComplete Turnaround• People abandoned pessimistic outlooks.• They now feel a sense of pride.

Bogotá prioritizes social interaction and socio-economic equality.

Murder rates and automobile fatalities are down.

Do you feel a sense of pride about your city or country? Explain.

Mayor Changes AttitudesMayor Changes Attitudes• Peñalosa sought to change negative attitudes about

the cool, rainy weather. Climate is due to Bogotá being located on an elevated plateau.

• New slogan: Bogotá: 2,600 meters closer to the stars!

Describe how the mayor transformed Bogotá using the principles of happiness economics.