Cities address the issue of gentrification through urban planning in various ways, including:
1. Affordable Housing Requirements: Cities can require developers to set aside a certain percentage of new housing units as affordable housing for low-income residents.
2. Community Land Trusts: Cities can establish Community Land Trusts, which are nonprofit organizations that own and manage land for the benefit of the community. They can sell or lease land to residents or businesses while guaranteeing long-term affordability.
3. Zoning Regulations: Zoning regulations that incentivize developers to build mixed-income housing or limit the size and scale of new development in certain areas.
4. Rent Control: Cities can establish rent control policies to protect low-income tenants from sudden spikes in rent.
5. Community Engagement: Cities can engage with residents to understand their needs and concerns, and incorporate their input into the planning process to create more equitable outcomes.
6. Preserve and Rehabilitate Existing Housing Stock: Cities can prioritize the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing stock, rather than solely focusing on new development. This can include financial incentives for property owners to improve their properties.
7. Public Investments: Cities can make strategic public investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, and services that benefit low-income residents and support the growth of small businesses.
Overall, it is important for cities to take a multifaceted approach to address gentrification, focusing on policy solutions that promote equitable development and opportunities for all residents.
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