A History of Housing Segregation

Baltimore's public housing has been segregated since the 1930s, leading to concentrations of poverty in the inner city.

1 minute read

January 9, 2005, 9:00 AM PST

By David Gest


Despite Baltimore's efforts to demolish segregated public housing complexes, and federal funding for housing vouchers and tax credits in the hope of dispersing the area's poor, a U.S. District Court decision recently charged HUD with violation of fair housing laws in the region, calling it a "'reservation' for the area's public housing...Edgar O. Olsen, an economics professor at the University of Virginia, said strong opposition in suburban areas around the country has been a basic roadblock to public housing migration...In the 1940s and 1950s... following accepted practices of segregation, housing policies further entrenched clusters of poor blacks, historians argue." Other experts argue that poor people will continue to choose to live together despite policy efforts to the contrary.

Thanks to David Gest

Friday, January 7, 2005 in The Baltimore Sun

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

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star