The traditional residents of urban historical areas have played a central role, but ambivalent, in the construction of meanings, actions and effects of enhancement and management processes of Latin American urban heritage. The article presents some reflections arising from an investigation about the construction and management process of cultural heritage of the city of Valparaiso -Chile and Mexico D.F. The article analyzes and reflects four main aspects : a) The traditional role that people have played in patrimonial processes of urban spaces in Latin America; b) the role of the Government in the inclusion of communities in the construction and management of their assets; c) the role of the communities in the construction and management of their assets which becomes more active progressively; d) finally some thoughts about the conceptualization of the heritage and the challenge implied to the public policies, in light of the background seen, by the development of activation and property management processes more inclusive and participatory .