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What is gentrification?

“a process of neighborhood change that includes economic change in a historically disinvested neighborhood – by means of real estate investment and new higher-income residents moving in – as well as demographic change – not only in terms of income level, but also in terms of changes in the education level of racial make-up of residents”

Gentrification in Philadelphia

  • Some neighborhoods most impacted by gentrification include Lower North Philadelphia, Francisville, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Kensington, Fairmount, Center City West, Hawthorne, University City, Point Breeze, and Grays Ferry
  • Typically, lower-income and minority residents are forced out as rent prices and property taxes skyrocket, while low-income housing vanishes
  • Renters, who make up nearly half of all city residents, have faced an eviction crisis as neighborhoods investment surges

What actions can communities take?

  • According to Next City, communities can work to take control over gentrification by:
    • Ensuring every stakeholder in the community has a place at the table before the process advances too far
    • Learning how the planning and development process works
    • using the policy tools available to protect residents and preserve housing diversity
  • Individuals can:
    • Shop at local grocery stores, attend community events, background check their landlords, and more

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