Urban Social Mix Policy in Paris, France

Urban social mix policies in Paris, designed to combat poverty concentration through public housing redistribution, often overlook ethnic diversity as a critical factor in fostering inclusive communities. This article examines the limitations of current "colour-blind" approaches that prioritize socio-economic criteria while inadvertently reinforcing segregation for low-income immigrant populations. Through an analysis of France's Law on Solidarity and Urban Renewal and the role of institutions like Paris Habitat, the study highlights how the absence of ethnic recognition in policy implementation perpetuates marginalization. The article proposes a novel governance model: integrating minority representation on Paris Habitat's board through partnerships with local NGOs to amplify marginalized voices in housing decisions. Drawing parallels to Minneapolis' community-driven urban renewal, this recommendation advocates for informal ethnic recognition as a pathway to equitable political participation. By challenging universalist citizenship norms and leveraging NGO flexibility, the framework aims to transform social mix policies into tools for genuine integration, balancing redistribution with recognition in Paris's diverse urban landscape.