3 Strategies for Controlling Gentrification

Sandy Smith summarizes a recent "Gentrification, Integration, and Equity" event hosted by Next City in Philadelphia.

1 minute read

December 6, 2014, 9:00 AM PST

By Maayan Dembo @DJ_Mayjahn


Gentrification

Tony Wasserman / Flickr

A recent event hosted by Next City called "Gentrification, Integration, and Equity," featured four panelists: Ingrid Gould Ellen, Professor of Urban Policy and Planning at NYU; Eric Grimes, co-founder, AAKT (Action, Advocacy, Knowledge, & Training) Concepts for Social Justice and Community Development; Kira Strong, Vice President of Community and Economic Development, People’s Emergency Center; and Jennifer I. Rodríguez, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs for the City of Philadelphia. The event asked the panelists, how can we make Philadelphia a more economically integrated, accessible, and livable city for all its residents?

The speakers brainstormed three distinct answers to this question, drawing from their varied experiences in academia, the non-profit sector, and the public sphere. For one, the planning process should ensure that community members are involved in the discussions from the start, so developers can respect their goals and priorities. Secondly, communities should have the means for representation and authority, through "Registered Community Organizations," as in the case of Philadelphia. Finally, policy tools should be implemented to maintain the supply of affordable housing.

Thursday, December 4, 2014 in Next City

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

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

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.