A decrease in affordable housing, the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and demographic changes mean more of the city’s neighborhoods are facing gentrification challenges.
A new report from the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University looks at neighborhoods in Houston that are facing the threat of gentrification or could in the future. These neighborhoods were identified through socioeconomic, housing, transportation, and location factors.
The study finds that gentrification is on the rise in Harris County, but it is distributed unevenly. Most gentrified neighborhoods are located outside of the 610 Loop. However, all neighborhoods on the east side of Houston within the loop are susceptible to future gentrification.
Communities have tried to rein in gentrification through policies including land use regulations, deed restrictions, and homestead exemptions as well as through land trusts and community engagement. "The researchers hope their work will not only shine a spotlight on the prevalence of gentrification and the problems it causes, but also help cities and communities think about how they can help low-income residents remain in their neighborhoods," reports Amy McCaig.
FULL STORY: Neighborhoods on Houston’s east side highly susceptible to gentrification
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Dallas Surburb Bans New Airbnbs
Plano’s city council banned all new permits for short-term rentals as concerns about their impacts on housing costs grow.
Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks
New, circular docks let e-bikes charge at stations, eliminating the need for frequent battery swaps.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.