A Documentary Analysis of Meadville's Rental Licensing and Inspection Program

Rohan, Russell III

A Documentary Analysis of Meadville's Rental Licensing and Inspection Program

Persistent URL

https://dspace.allegheny.edu/handle/10456/56638

Author(s)

Rohan, Russell III

Date Issued

March 24, 2023

Abstract

Housing inequality is a disparity in the quality of housing in a community. Unlike its definition this problem is complex and its origin is deeply rooted in the history of our country. As it continues to persist today, it creates severe health, financial, and environmental impacts in neighborhoods across the country. The goal of this project was to create a documentary that can facilitate conversations regarding housing in Meadville it relates to other communities. Rather than solely addressing the technicalities of the issue, the aim of the film was to paint a clear picture of the moral and social dilemmas that feed into the housing issues seen in Meadville. On one hand the film covers an effort made to address housing issues in Meadville, the Rental Licensing and Inspection Program. On the other hand the film covers the opinions and cultural dynamics that contributed to the controversy surrounding the passing of the program, and have continued to feed into the longstanding housing issues in Meadville. The program and its story are used as supporting content while the film mainly focuses on the root of the problem. By making the focus of the film people and not a problem the documentary has the ability to create empathy in viewers. Additionally it could provide them with a timeless change in perspective as opposed to them just acknowledging the topic for a brief moment.

Major

Environmental Science

First Reader(s)

Carbone, Ian A.