Low-Income Communities

The Undeniable Link Between Redlining and Extreme Heat in American Cities
The country’s history of racist and segregationist housing policies is affecting vulnerable low-income communities of color that are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.

Landlords in L.A. Attempt to Illegally Remove Tenants Who Can't Pay Rent
Some landlords in the Los Angles area aren't adhering to eviction moratoriums. In the midst of enormous financial strain, they are employing illegal tactics to forcibly remove tenants.

Transit Service Restored in Seattle Area, With New Social Distancing Practices in Place
Seatback signage and reduced capacity will allow King County Metro to begin resuming bus service. In the wake of staff illness and depleted funding, the road to Metro's recovery could be quite long.

How Coronavirus Could Worsen the Racial Wealth Gap in the United States
The impact of coronavirus on unemployment and healthcare is predicted to affect black and Latinos at a disproportionate rate, raising questions about what can be done to ease the suffering and close the racial wealth divide in America.

California Climate Program Offers Up to $9,500 Toward Purchase of Used EVs
Lawmakers want to ensure that electric vehicles are accessible to all Californians, particularly lower-income motorists in disadvantaged communities. Unlike other incentive programs, participants must also scrap an older, polluting vehicle.

Gentrification and Race in the San Francisco Bay Area
A feature article revisits the gentrification and displacement discussion, especially as it pertains to racial and economic demographics, in one of the nation's most troubled and challenging housing markets.

Zoning’s New Role in Environmental Justice
Long used to promote inequality, zoning and land use are now helping to keep vulnerable communities safer and cleaner.

How Smaller Cities Are Trying to Attract Opportunity Zone Investors
Cities and states are altering local policies to maximize benefits for private investors in Opportunity Zones.

Rural Communities Connected Through Grassroots Mobility Services
California residents throughout the Central Valley struggle with inadequate transportation. Shuttle and ride-share programs are filling in the gaps.

Treasury Department Releases Initial 'Opportunity Zones' Guidance
A big day for developers as the Treasure Department paved the way for an anticipated $100 billion in private investment in underserved communities.

Scooter Companies Offering Discounted Rides for Low-Income Users
Bird announced its One Bird program earlier this month.

A Map of Resources for Low-Income Philadelphians
The Broke in Philly initiative has created a map aimed at making it easier to access support and services for low-income residents of Philadelphia.

More People Own Cars, Including the Poor
Increasing car ownership and shifting demographics means planners need to rethink the car-centric equation, according to this article.

Chicago-Based Equiticity Takes Mobility Justice Nationwide
The new group will challenge the unequal distribution of mobility resources to low-income communities of color.

Complete Streets Policies Still Seeking Equity
Though the quick expansion of complete streets policies is worth celebrating, minority and low-income communities are still being left behind, and killed at a disproportionate rate.

'Highway Propaganda' Promotes Widening Projects
Apparently to galvanize public support, the Colorado Department of Transportation and an Ohio chamber of commerce have produced videos touting the benefits of widening projects for low-income communities.

Zillow: Suburbs Becoming More Like Cities
According to the real estate website, urban home values are growing faster than those in the suburbs, bucking a longtime trend. This isn't exactly surprising, but it has serious social justice implications.

Germane Barnes' Vision for Opa-Locka
Known for its unique Moorish Revival architecture, and beset by a host of urban problems, the Miami suburb may have found its savior in Germane Barnes. The young architect and planner aims to revitalize the area without gentrifying it.
Gentrification and the Bay Area's Controversial Growth Management Plan
Is gentrification the inevitable result of land use planning that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by favoring infill development over auto-dependent sprawl? The Urban Displacement Project looks at the unintended effects of Plan Bay Area.

Why Bikeshare Doesn't Appeal to Low-Income Commuters
While bikeshare garners a lot of attention from the white and wealthy, it is a less obvious choice for low-income communities. Difficulties include weather, time constraints, and overall demand for non-auto modes.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research