CULTURE

There is a cultural appeal that comes with urban areas that attracts people of many different backgrounds. In the 21st century, these are often the people who make up the new middle class. However, the urban areas that they are moving into have been historically neglected.

 

Washington D.C. was once a majority black city as white people fled for the suburbs in Virginia and Maryland. However, since 2000, the white population in D.C. has jumped 31%. In response, the black population has decreased by 11%. This decrease has been attributed to the skyrocketing of rents. The city has seen new amenities being added to accommodate for the visible demographic change. Things such as grocery stores, theaters, entertainment complexes, and condominiums are developed to help the new residents feel welcome while pushing aside the incumbent residents.

 

Dr. Andrew Greenlee, a Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, talked about the impact sustainable initiatives have had on gentrification. He stated that while these projects are important and should be continued, people need to recognize the social impacts. These investments alter the market value of the land being gentrified. Investing in a new transit stop to connect a poorer neighborhood can help more people access the area. With this newly gained access, market value is able to rise.