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