In the 1990s, many favela residents developed inspirational social projects and organizations to combat poverty, violence and segregation, as well as to promote the development of education, art, culture and charity - The aims of many of these institutions were to recognize, promote and disseminate favela culture and life, looking to create shared public spaces and foster self-esteem and correct general misconceptions.  

There was considerable immigration to the favelas in the 2000s, driven by a pursuit for affordable housing - As such, they continued to grow at a much faster rate than low-income areas.

In 2009 the city implemented several decrees to control favela growth - One of these allowed the Secretaria de Urbanismo (Secretary of Urban Development) to confer with academics and research institutes in the pursuit of rules for existing communities - The guidelines included maximum building height and the creation of public spaces.