Historically high crime rates and an overall challenging state of the neighborhood, have sparked much activity by the civil society, including residents associations, samba associations, sporting clubs (including basket ball, soccer and skateboarding), theater groups, magazines as well as a number of other educational and cultural organizations - Yet yet another display of the carioca's unique ability to surmount any obstacle with fraternity and collaboration.

today city of god is a pacified favela, undergoing rapid commercial and infrastructural development and enjoying a remarkably safer environment.

in 2011 president obama visited city of god during his visit to brazil and to rio de janeiro. He witnessed the improvements of the neighborhood first hand and indirectly helped to attract positive attention to the district.