With the threat of sea level rise, homes on higher ground in Miami are becoming increasingly desirable. But they are located in low-income communities of color, and residents are facing rising housing costs and displacement.
Mario Ariza reports that the effects of climate change have hit the real estate market in Miami. As wealthier residents seek to move inland away from flooding and other hazards, they are eyeing parts of town that developers have been marketing as climate resistant, says Ariza:
Working-class places like Overtown, Little Haiti, and Liberty City were created by redlining, a historically racist policy that denied mortgages to people of color outside of certain neighborhoods. They are now in rapid transition. And in Miami, those areas just happen to be on high ground.
Elevation is now a selling point, and these neighborhoods are vulnerable to what is being referred to as “climate gentrification.” As rents and home prices skyrocket, residents and businesses are forced out, often to places in South Florida that are closer to sea level.
Community advocates say affordable housing and policies to prevent displacement need to be priorities, since city codes make it difficult to protect existing residents. "That’s because of a provision for developers who acquire at least 9 contiguous acres and commit a small percentage to open space. Those developers can avoid height and density restrictions, move roads, and delay community consultation until late in the planning process," reports Ariza.
Some developers have voluntarily set aside affordable and workforce housing units, but inclusionary zoning mandates cover very little of the city. The city has plans to study affordable housing issues in Miami, but advocates say the situation is dire and more immediate action needs to be taken.
FULL STORY: The Rich Can Afford Higher Ground in Miami. What’s Going to Happen to the Poor?
'Climate Gentrification' Is Exacerbating Economic Inequality in Miami
A new study shows that over the last several decades the price of real estate has been heavily influenced by the actual and anticipated effects of climate change.
Miami’s Underline and the Threat of Gentrification
The new linear park will use land under the city’s elevated rail tracks. Worries, however, are emerging about the effects the project will have on surrounding communities, particularly related to affordable housing.
Rising Insurance Rates Squeezing Affordable Housing Developers
Spiking insurance costs in coastal areas prone to climate disasters are making it harder for low-income housing developers to keep building.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie