What Causes Gentrification? What to Know and What to Do | What Once Was
Written By: Ben Perez
Edited By: Elisa Calderon
Introduction
Gentrification is a contentious issue that impacts communities around the world and has been affecting Austin neighborhoods and communities for years. It has become a focal point for discussions on urban development, cultural heritage, and ideas about equity. In this blog post, we will look into gentrification’s causes, economic factors, the impact it has on neighborhoods, the problems it poses, the likely areas where it occurs, and what we can do about it.
Understanding Gentrification
Gentrification describes the transformation of a neighborhood or area, typically occurring in urban settings, where wealthier residents move in which leads to economic as well as cultural changes. For a more in depth look at what gentrification is, you can refer to our blog post “What is Gentrification?” found here (insert link).
What Causes Gentrification?
Gentrification is driven by a combination of metropolitan policies, the influx of wealthier residents, and decisions made by local city governments. These governments create policies which, though often geared towards revitalizing areas, inadvertently contribute to the displacement of low-income residents that comes with the gentrification of neighborhoods.
What Economic Factors Contribute to Gentrification?
Economic factors are pivotal in the process of gentrification. Low-income residents in gentrifying neighborhoods are especially vulnerable to rising property values & costs and urban development initiatives, which often lead to their displacement. As housing prices soar, these economic shifts force many long-time residents out of their homes and businesses.
What Makes a Neighborhood Gentrified?
A gentrified neighborhood undergoes a significant transformation in its demographics, property values, development, and cultural fiber. Shifting demographics, driven by an influx of affluent (and overwhelmingly white) residents, lead to changes in the neighborhood’s culture and character. Urban development and increasing property values contribute to this process, which causes the area to be considered gentrified.
What Issues Does Gentrification Cause?
Displacement and erasure of cultural heritage are just a couple of the negative impacts experienced by affected communities. The lack of affordable housing options exacerbates these problems, making it difficult for displaced residents to find affordable housing. This leads to a loss in the original “character” of these neighborhoods.
Where is Gentrification Most Likely to Happen?
Gentrification occurs in lower-income neighborhoods, especially in areas experiencing rapid job growth with a demand for urban living. One example is East Austin, where the tech industry boom led to a surge in property values and urban development projects which have led to the displacement of many long-term residents and local businesses.
What Can We Do to Combat Gentrification?
Even though gentrification presents significant challenges, there are ways to combat its effects. You can start by actively participating in your community through voting, supporting organizations dedicated to affordable housing, and staying up to date on local policies regarding these issues. Organizations like E4 Youth and the What Once Was initiative are making a difference by preserving the cultural heritage of gentrified neighborhoods in Austin. By partnering with or donating to organizations like this, you contribute to the preservation of community identity and help create a more equitable urban environment.
Gentrification is a complicated issue with wide-ranging impacts and effects. Understanding its causes, effects, and potential resolutions is essential for inclusive and equitable urban development. By staying engaged, supporting relevant organizations, and advocating for equitable policies, we can work together to mitigate the negative effects of gentrification and retain the vibrant history and heritage of Austin’s historical communities and neighborhoods.
The Impact of Gentrification in Austin | What Once Was
Written by: Ben Perez
Edited by: Elisa Calderon
The Impact of Gentrification in Austin and How to Take Action
Gentrification is a term that has become increasingly prevalent in urban discussions, especially in Austin. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the changing face of Austin through the lens of gentrification—understanding the history, exploring its impacts, examining how the city is addressing this issue, and the ways we can individually and collectively respond.
Examples of Gentrification in Austin
The gentrification of Austin is complex, with various neighborhoods experiencing different degrees of transformation. For example, South Congress Avenue, at one point a hotspot of local establishments and artistic expression, has seen a surge in more upscale developments in recent years, which has led to the pushing out of smaller businesses. The East Cesar Chavez neighborhood has also witnessed rising property values and the influx of affluent residents, displacing long-time and majority BIPOC residents. For a more comprehensive description of gentrification, check out our blog “What is Gentrification?” There, you can gain a better understanding of the complex realities of gentrification and how they impact neighborhoods.
The History of Gentrification in Austin
Austin’s Freedom Colonies
To understand the roots of gentrification in Austin, we should acknowledge the city’s history of freedom colonies. A few examples of these communities in Austin include Wheatville, Clarksville, and Montopolis. These were self-sufficient communities established by the Black community after Emancipation in 1863. Over time, some of these colonies faced challenges due to urban development, resulting in the erosion of their cultural identity.
The Rise and Fall of East Austin
East Austin, historically a hub for BIPOC communities, has undergone significant changes as Austin expands and gentrifies. Once a bold center of Black and Latinx culture, the pressures of gentrification have displaced and erased much of the cultural heritage and presence once found here. Facing skyrocketing property values, long-time residents found themselves unable to keep up with rising costs, leading to a transformation that has left parts of East Austin virtually unrecognizable from what it once was.
Affordable Housing and Property Taxes
Gentrification usually intertwines with local government policies. In Austin, the issue of affordable housing has been exacerbated by policies that favor upscale developments. City council and city leaders are not unaware of gentrification and the housing crises in our city. A recent development is the passing of Phase 1 of the controversial HOME Proposal, which proponents say will ease the housing crisis but opponents argue will further gentrify certain neighborhoods in East Austin. Additionally, the impact of property taxes on long-time residents has been profound, contributing to the displacement of communities as they struggle to keep up with rising costs of living in their neighborhoods. For a more in-depth exploration of the causes of gentrification, read our blog “What Causes Gentrification?”
How Do You Know If Your Neighborhood Is Being Gentrified?
Identifying the signs of gentrification is key for residents to advocate for their communities and neighborhoods. In Austin, rising property taxes and a shifting housing supply are key indicators that an area is undergoing gentrification. Identifying and understanding these signs empowers residents to take proactive steps to preserve the character of their neighborhoods and protect their livelihoods.
What Can You Do to Combat Gentrification in Austin?
Taking Action
Combating gentrification requires collective action. Residents can engage in local initiatives, vote for policies that prioritize socio-economic diversity, and support organizations working to preserve cultural heritage. Organizations like E4 Youth and our sister nonprofits are actively involved in these efforts, providing opportunities for individuals to contribute through donations, partnerships, and working to preserve the cultural history of Austin. For a closer look at our work in cultural preservation, check out the What Once Was platform.
The gentrification of Austin is deeply rooted in its history and shaped by various factors. Understanding the nuances of this phenomenon is crucial for residents and city leaders alike to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Austin residents.
Brenda Malik
Brenda Malik is a former president of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Neighborhood Association. She attended the historic LC Anderson High School from 1966-1969 and is an administrative specialist at the cultural Arts Division/City of Austin.
Interview Highlights
Tight knit community
“It’s a homegrown community, so I’ve always been involved. Our mothers started the association as soon as we got here. So this community was really built with a lot of black professionals at the time. Teachers, nurses, elected officials. And so those women were the driving force. Or creating the Neighborhood Association, and they go from house to house, with the monthly meetings.
So it was a party every month, and the neighbors would get together, and the children would watch and see what they were doing. I was one of those that grew up in the association, and I became more active when I became an adult. Oh, these women were civic minded, and they were always doing something with their children.
For instance, they would take us down to the skating rink and protest the segregation of the skating rink that they couldn’t take their children in. Went to Zilker Pool and protested there too, or they picked us up and took us to the movies. It was always a communal kind of thing.”
Civil Rights in Austin
“We had quite a few leaders over here in this neighborhood come from this neighborhood, including Mr. Snell, who was the first black Travis County Commissioner. We also had the first black mayor of Dallas come from this neighborhood.
Ms. Kirk’s son, Ronald Kirk, was the first black mayor of Dallas, Texas, and went on to become appointed as an ambassador in Obama’s presidency. And they became good friends as well. So, it was a bunch of leaders, because we had the professionals come from this area. And like today, it’s hard for black and brown people to get to these meetings and put that pressure on our elected officials because we’re working.
So it was a little bit easier for professional folks in this area to take up that mantle and fight for civil rights. But this whole community has been active in civil rights here in Austin. King Tears, mortuary, is part of the legacy of this neighborhood. And Dr. King lives also on the street over.
Dr. King was the past president of Houston Tillerson College, he was co-founder of King Tears mortuary. But yes, he’s a descendant of one of our presidents. Most definitely L. C. Anderson High. It was an iconic building. It was the only high school that Blacks were allowed to go to before integration.”
Full Transcript
What is Gentrification? | What Once Was
Written By: Ben Perez Edited By: Elisa Calderon
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of urban development, the term “gentrification” has gained significant attention, sparking discussions about its impacts on historically disinvested neighborhoods. The What Once Was initiative aims to shed light on this issue, educating those who are not only interested in understanding gentrification but also taking steps toward addressing its impact across Austin. It serves as a digital archive to collect, preserve, and share these important communities’ histories. Celebrated for its vibrant music and art scenes, cultural diversity, and thriving tech industry, Austin is a desirable spot for residents and visitors alike. However, behind the city’s fun, contemporary appeal, a complex issue exists: Gentrification. This is most evident in the east side of Austin, where the development of new businesses and homes has generated discussions about progress, preservation, and the character of the city.
What is Gentrification?
Although definitions can vary depending on the perspective taken, Gentrification refers to the process where higher-income residents move into urban neighborhoods (most of which have been historically disinvested). This influx often changes the area’s economic, social, and cultural fabric. As these neighborhoods transform, they can sometimes lose their original character and the sense of community that used to be deeply ingrained.
Examples of Gentrification
With roots dating back to the 1950s, Gentrification is not a new phenomenon; nor is it limited to the city of Austin. The term “Gentrification” first gained traction as neighborhoods began experiencing dramatic shifts in London, England. But it’s occurring in major cities across the US. New York City, for instance, has witnessed gentrification in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Harlem. In the San Francisco Bay Area, BIPOC communities like the Mission District have undergone dramatic changes due to an influx of tech industry professionals with the rise of Silicon Valley. Austin, too, hasn’t been immune to this process, as neighborhoods throughout the East side have experienced major shifts due to rising property values and changing demographics. The East side of Austin carries a rich history, deeply rooted in the experiences of its Black and Latino communities. The area was initially established as a place of residence and commerce for these communities, who were forced to live there as part of Austin’s 1928 Master Plan. Despite the forced relocation, a distinct cultural identity was created and thrived for decades in the East part of the city. However, with Austin’s surge of growth and the influx of newcomers, the Eastside has become a central point for gentrification.
Negative Impacts of Gentrifying Neighborhoods
Local Businesses One of the most prominent effects of gentrification on Austin’s east side is the development of the business landscape. Many of the area’s original “mom-and-pop” shops and local eateries are now forced into competition with trendy cafes, boutiques, and galleries. While this transformation brings an appearance of reinvigoration to the neighborhood, it raises concerns about authenticity and inclusivity. Who is welcomed in these neighborhoods, and who was forced to leave to make room? The rise in the number of upscale businesses presents a conundrum for the city of Austin. One side shows that the attention and spending power brought in from gentrifying neighborhoods boosts revenue, visibility, and attractiveness. But the other side argues that these new establishments almost always outprice and overshadow the businesses that gave the East side its original character.
Residential Displacement and Affordable Housing
Gentrification’s impact on residential areas is even more profound. Similar to the effect on local businesses, as property values soar, longtime residents are being priced out of their neighborhoods. The lack of affordable housing compounds the issues created, leading to steady displacement that threatens the social fabric of majority BIPOC communities.
Cultural Identity and Heritage Preservation
The heart of the gentrification debate in the East side of Austin is found in cultural identity. The tangible foundations of these neighborhoods’ pasts are actively being erased with the arrival of new developments. Preserving the cultural heritage of these communities is essential to ensure original residents feel seen and heard.
Gentrification and E4 Youth
Through programs such as What Once Was, Creative Leadership Academy, and Get Creative Clubs, E4 Youth provides space and opportunities for BIPOC youth of Austin, many of whom are grappling with the harsh realities that the gentrification of Austin brings.
Key Takeaways About Gentrifying Neighborhoods
The gentrification occurring in Austin’s East side is a multifaceted situation that affects the city’s businesses, homes, and cultural identity. As the city continues to expand and evolve, balancing progress with historical preservation is critical for our BIPOC communities. By understanding the negative experiences of those affected by this phenomenon, as a community, we can collectively work towards preserving the essence of neighborhoods while still leaving room for development. Moving forward, engaging in dialogue and collaboration to accommodate both longtime residents and newcomers is critical to allowing for an equitable development of the city that still cherishes the legacies of its BIPOC communities.
Sources:
FORMBY, BRANDON FORMBY. “Report Says Gentrification Threatens to Displace Austin’s Low-Income Residents, Communities of Color.” Texas Tribune, 18 Sept. 2018, . Accessed 20 Aug. 2023. “Gentrification Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed 21 Aug. 2023. Goudeau, Ashley Goudeau. “Austin’s Gentrification Problem: How We Got Here.” KVUE, 2 May 2018, . Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. “Healthy Places.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. Sanneh, Kelefa. “Is Gentrification Really a Problem?” The New Yorker, 4 July 2016. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. Way, Heather, et al. “Uprooted: Residential Displacement in Austin’s Gentrifying Neighborhoods and What Can Be Done About It.” Austin Uprooted, University of Texas , 2018. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.
ORA HOUSTON – RESIDENT OF AUSTIN’S BLACKLANDS NEIGHBORHOOD. “Austin’s ‘1928 Master Plan’ Unleashed Forces Which Still Shape Austin Today.” ORA HOUSTON, 2018.