Urban Challenges and Changes

Overview

• Urbanization has transformed living, working, and social interactions.
• Urban areas face economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges.
• Segregation in cities exists along economic and racial lines.

Segregation

• Historical Context
  • Impact of Jim Crow laws and slavery persists.
  • Racial dot maps show racial and ethnic distribution.
• De Facto Segregation
  • Occurs without legal enforcement.
  • Rising housing prices displace low-income residents, leading to socioeconomic segregation.

Redlining

• Definition
  • Color-coded risk maps by the government.
  • High-risk areas (often Black and Hispanic) denied loans.
  • Low-risk areas (predominantly White) received favorable loans.
• Impact
  • Denied communities of color home ownership opportunities.
  • Prevented wealth accumulation and increased segregation.

Blockbusting and White Flight

• Blockbusting
  • Real estate agents scared White homeowners to sell cheaply.
  • Homes marked up and sold to minorities.
• White Flight
  • White residents moved to suburbs, leading to urban decline.

Segregation Effects

• Higher crime rates.
• Fewer job opportunities and services.
• More pollution and urban decay.
• Environmental hazards affect marginalized communities more.

Food Deserts

• Areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food.
• Lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Disamenity Zones

• Areas with high crime, vacant buildings, and poor infrastructure.
• Created by lack of affordable housing and deindustrialization.
• Example: Informal settlements (squatter settlements).

Urban Revitalization

• Programs to promote economic growth and attract residents.
• Inclusionary zoning to create affordable housing.
• Risks of gentrification displacing low-income residents.

Government's Role

• Federal Government
  • Uses financial incentives to influence city planning.
  • Urban renewal and economic development policies.
• State Government
  • Can directly influence local city planning.
  • Example: Oregon limits urban sprawl with growth boundaries.
• Regional Government
  • Coordinates between municipalities for large projects.
  • Focus on transportation, economic development, and environmental protection.
• Local Government
  • Manages day-to-day city life and planning.
  • Balances city policies with state and federal requirements.

Conclusion

• Cities face various challenges in maintaining sustainability and equity.
• Successful adaptation leads to thriving urban areas.
• Failure to adapt results in negative impacts on public health and economic growth.

Action Steps

• Engage with questions and review answers to reinforce learning.