'Renewing Inequality': Mapping the Scars of Urban Renewal

A new interactive maps brings a visual reality to the scale of displacement effected by urban renewal of the 1950s and 1960s.

1 minute read

January 20, 2018, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Public Housing

Cabrini Green lowrises. | Concrete Imaging / Shutterstock

The latest mapping project from the University of Richmond: "Renewing Inequality," documents the displacement and racial dynamics of urban renewal in the United States between 1955-1966.

Whet Moser shares news of the new project, focusing specifically on the project's insights for Chicago, where 81,243 people, or 2.24 percent of the city's population, was displaced. "About one-third of displacements in Chicago came from two urban renewal projects: Hyde Park-Kenwood, which displaced about 4,000 families, and Lake Meadows, which displaced another 3,400 families," explains Moser. The article includes more details on the history and outcomes of urban renewal during this period in Chicago.

As noted by Moser, the "Renewing Inequality" project provides a compelling follow up to the University of Richmond's work on the redlining maps that raised awareness about the effects of 20th century zoning and home loan policies.

Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Chicago Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

45 minutes ago - The Texas Tribune

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board