Neighborhood Revitalization
Decades of disinvestment, population loss, segregation and neglect have left many urban inner-city neighborhoods in great distress. The suburban sprawl which traditionally drained resources from the inner city is now threatening our older inner-suburban communities. Due to these factors, neighborhood revitalization is critical to bringing opportunity back to our distressed urban communities. The Kirwan Institute has worked on a number of initiatives which identify opportunities and challenges to neighborhood revitalization, while promoting policies that support the resurgence of these communities. The Institute promotes a model of neighborhood revitalization with the goal of improving neighborhoods while assuring the communities remain neighborhoods of choice that are accessible to all residents. Neighborhood revitalization is not synonymous with gentrification. Neighborhood reinvestment can occur and improve the quality of life for existing residents without the widespread displacement associated with gentrification. A model of neighborhood revitalization should have the following goals:
- The distressed community transitions into a mixed-income, mixed-wealth, and diverse community, with new investments in housing, business and infrastructure.
- The social networks and services utilized by traditional residents are maintained and improved.
- Existing neighborhood businesses are supported while additional viable businesses are created in the community.
- Neighborhood improvement not only focuses on improving the physical environment but also creating wealth and opening opportunities (such as employment) to existing residents.
