DISCUSSION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Sherri Myers
SUBJECT:
title
GENTRIFICATION
end
SUMMARY:
For the past 30 years the African American population has been decreasing due to revitalization of the City’s urban core CRA. Beginning with the whole sale removal and relocation of residents of Aragon Court, the African American population continues to decline. Historically African American neighborhoods are disappearing and being replaced by predominately white, wealthy populations. In the last several years there has been a dramatic increase in housing built in what has been traditionally African American communities. The building frenzy to build more and more housing that is out of reach of many low-income minorities will escalate the exodus of African Americans from the CRA urban core and west side CRA districts. All over the country communities are rising up against the unbridled gentrification of minority and low-income neighborhoods. Many communities are now adopting ordinances aimed at finding ways to stabilize inner city minority communities, rather than replace and dislocating communities. In our rush to “build Pensacola” many low-income neighborhoods and individuals are being left in the dust.
This item seeks to discuss the impacts of gentrification and an opportunity for Council to discuss what will be necessary to develop a road map and strategic plan to engage and empower low income and minority neighborhoods and individuals to live, work and thrive in the communities that belong to them and that they call home.
PRIOR ACTION:
March 11, 2021 - City Council passed an action to refer the matter of an Analysis of Gentrification Due to Urban Revitalization to the CRA.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) 2020 Pensacola Census Summary
PRESENTATION: No