Urban Redevelopment

In the 70's gentrification policies were set in motion to revitalize blighted downtown areas and neighborhoods. Many of these plans looked to change everything about the areas including the inhabitants. Policies that exclude whole bodies of the population while catering to those who wheel more economic or political power, harm neighborhoods.

Poor neighborhoods have many things in common. The people are largely renters not home owners, the tax base in low, amenities such as grocery stores, banks, and shops are scarce, people pay more for the supplies that are available, income levels are low, crime is prevalent, unemployment is high, and most inhabitants are largely excluded from the greater society. The poor neighborhoods become isolated enclave that have their own laws, sense of justice, and system of hierarchy, which simultaneously mimics and rejects society.

While the gentrification movement of the 70's brought economic well being for some, it displaced many others. The question before urban planners and today's policy makers is, "how is one to improve a neighborhood's standing and embrace the members of the community." Most areas that are being revitalized are inhabited by poor people. These people are moved out to other areas of the city, furthering the level of poverty.

Urban planners, developers, and legilators must become more creative problem solvers. Take for instance a program begun in the 80's in Denver, Colorado. The city built low income town-homes and enacted a rent to own program by which those with limited resources could invariably own their own houses while paying rental rates. The properties went quickly. Many single parent households embraced their opportunity to become a legitimate part of the American dream.

In Las Vegas in 2009 the city of Henderson found itself strapped with large, undeveloped plots in low income neighborhoods. Partnering with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter allowed for revitalization. By obtaining land at a premium price Habitat was able to explore and embrace green development. Two low income homes were build to LEED standards. The owners of the homes receive low interest mortgages for their new energy efficient houses. In this way they can move from being renters in a community to owners and stakeholders within their neighborhood.

Creative infill planning is being undertaken by the City of Eureka in California. Suffering from a decline in the fishing and forestry industries, Eureka is an impoverished city. Seeking refuge and improvement Eureka's city council deliberates over how to best economically effect the city. Attempting to trod upon a greener path, it has turned to infill redevelopment practices. In order to squelch sprawl, developers a putting more mixed used/ mixed income spaces together. Artists and other residents are reinventing live/work spaces.

Portland, Oregon hails as the capital of sustainable gentrification. Its Pearl Street District serves as a haven for small businesses with a creative bend. Once the bastion of warehouses and industrial structures, Portland's downtown has been re-envisioned as an inclusive enclave. The area is now the home of art galleries, book stores, restaurants, boutiques and clubs. What is most exciting is the funky artbeat that abounds. People who do not have a lot of money can own businesses in downtown Portland. They can participate in the weekend markets and sell their wares. The city allows people to participate in making the most of their lives even if they don't have a lot of money.

Cities with vision have created economic opportunities for its residents. By permitting kiosk storefronts, creating mixed used spaces, and weaving mixed income neighborhoods together, they have limited the amount of blight that exists within their boundaries. This is inclusive gentrification.