Juliana Velásquez: panama’s New Minister of Housing and Land Management

On January 3, 2026, Juliana Velásquez was sworn in as Panama’s Minister of Housing and Land Management (Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento territorial – MIVOT). Her appointment marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to addressing the country’s housing deficit and land use challenges. Velásquez brings a background in urban planning and a commitment to sustainable development to the role.

Background and Experience

Juliana Velásquez holds a degree in Urban Planning from the Universidad nacional de Panamá. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Director of Urban Planning for the Panama City Mayor’s Office, where she led initiatives focused on improving urban infrastructure and promoting affordable housing options. She has also consulted with international organizations on sustainable urban development projects throughout Latin America.Presidency of Panama

Key Initiatives at Panama City Mayor’s Office

• Developed and implemented the “Ciudad para Todos” (City for All) plan, focusing on inclusive urban design.
• Oversaw the construction of several affordable housing complexes in underserved communities.
• led efforts to modernize the city’s land use regulations to promote sustainable development.

Priorities as Minister of Housing and Land Management

Velásquez has outlined several key priorities for her tenure as Minister. These include addressing the significant housing deficit, especially for low-income families, and improving land management practices to prevent illegal settlements and promote responsible land use. She has also emphasized the importance of incorporating sustainable building practices and climate resilience into all housing and infrastructure projects.Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial (MIVOT)

Addressing the Housing Deficit

Panama faces a considerable housing deficit, estimated at over 200,000 units. Velásquez plans to address this through a combination of public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and streamlined permitting processes. She has also indicated a willingness to explore choice building technologies to reduce construction costs and accelerate project delivery.

Land Management and Regulation

Improving land management is another critical priority. Velásquez aims to strengthen enforcement of land use regulations, combat illegal land speculation, and promote obvious land titling processes. This will involve working closely with local governments and communities to develop complete land use plans that balance economic development with environmental protection.

Challenges and Opportunities

Velásquez faces several challenges in her new role, including limited government resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and political opposition. However, she also has significant opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of Panamanians. Her expertise in urban planning, her commitment to sustainable development, and her collaborative approach position her well to address the country’s housing and land management challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Juliana Velásquez is Panama’s newly appointed Minister of Housing and Land Management.
• She brings extensive experience in urban planning and a focus on sustainable development.
• Her key priorities include addressing the housing deficit, improving land management, and promoting sustainable building practices.
• She faces challenges but has the potential to significantly improve housing and land use in Panama.

The appointment of Juliana Velásquez signals a renewed commitment to addressing Panama’s housing and land management issues. Her success will depend on her ability to navigate political challenges, secure adequate funding, and build strong partnerships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Panama can effectively address its housing deficit and create more sustainable and equitable communities.

Publication Date: 2026/01/04 07:42:12