Operation Gringo Tax, a group of American immigrants in Mexico, seeks to create a digital tool to help Mexicans impacted by the housing crisis. The crisis is aggravated by expats and digital nomads drawn by affordability. Airbnb’s growth has worsened housing availability and prices, particularly in Roma-Condesa. Long-term issues like real estate speculation and turistification further contribute, alongside cultural impacts like loss of neighborhood traditions and local resentment towards non-integrating expats.

Mutual Design conducted research to explore the impact of these factors. We used quantitative and qualitative methods—including interviews, focus groups, and data analysis—to assess how digital nomads, expat immigration, and Airbnb influence housing prices, neighborhood change, and displacement.

Our findings highlighted the need for resource sharing, awareness, and support for local housing initiatives. The next phase will involve co-designing a digital tool to address these challenges and facilitate resource redistribution.