Community Action Plan to Combat Gentrification in Latino/Minority Neighborhoods

Cruz, Angela

Community Action Plan to Combat Gentrification in Latino/Minority Neighborhoods

Persistent URL

https://dspace.allegheny.edu/handle/10456/56766

Author(s)

Cruz, Angela

Date Issued

March 24, 2023

Abstract

This essay studies the techniques implemented by Latino/low-income neighborhoods in order to combat gentrification within their communities. The techniques then helped aid in the creation of a general community action plan that could help other Latino/low-income communities combat gentrification within their neighborhoods. Using case studies I analyzed three historically Latino/marginalized cities within US territory; Austin Texas, Chicago Illinois, and Puerta de Tierra Puerto Rico. The shift within Austin, Texas due to gentrification can be seen prominently within the past few years due to covid. The east Austin community particularly has used policy and advocacy as a means to fight against developers and wealthy investors. Gentrification within Chicago, Illinois has been a problem since the early 2000s. They have used the creation of grassroots organizations and muralism as their main forms of fighting against forms of gentrification. Murals help beautify the area as well as instill the culture of the community throughout. Puerta de Tierra, Puerto Rico has recently been experiencing huge displacement due to gentrification within their cities. Act 22, placed by the US, has allowed foreigners to avoid paying certain taxes when they move to Puerto Rico. Community members have banded together to create policy and the use of murals as a means to fight and have their voices heard. The three main strategies implemented are policy creation, grassroots organizations and art as a means for all these communities to fight against gentrification. The creation of a mock-up of a CAP was created, but further research can be done to expand/look into other strategies and case study options in order to implement from a wider pool of data.

Major

Environmental Science

Spanish

First Reader(s)

Bethurem, Matt