The two-part solution
There are endless ideas as to how we can best address gentrification in Portland. From symptom-relief to top-down policy change, these ideas each come with pros and cons when discussing equity, demand, feasibility, cost and effectiveness.​ I am not a city official, nor have I dedicated my life to studying this issue, but have created a two-part plan that I believe is both effective and feasible, and can help the communities most impacted by the gentrification I have seen first-hand in my city.
HOUSING EQUITY
I believe that housing equity is the most important step that can be taken to help this issue. Thousands of black residents were forced from their home with no choice. Others were out-priced by the influx of white, affluent residents willing to match the high price tag for apartments in the up-and-coming area. A house is more than just a house. It is the basis of our life, and having that stripped away is dehumanizing and devastating.
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There are a multitude of ways that housing equity can be brought to Portland. To begin, city officials must regain control of rent prices. This includes rent control policies, rent vouchers, housing and rent education, designated affordable housing, and the buy-back of newly constructed apartment complexes. This will allow displaced residents to move back to the city if they wish, at a price that matches what they can afford. Along with this, the city must control housing prices so that families can reintegrate into communities that they were forced out of. Taking these actions will help bring more equity to the pressing issue of housing inequality that, without intervention, can have lasting effects on a city without intervention. The earlier these steps are taken, the less people will be effected by them, and the shallower the cuts will be in the city and beyond.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
While much of the "action"of gentrification has already played out, our solution must focus on what can be done to restore the rich black community that was built in Portland in the turn of the 20th century. Community investment is a vital step that can be taken to restore the damage of this issue.
Like mentioned before, there are endless ways to stimulate community investment and rebuilding. In this solution, I believe a focus on children may have the biggest impact. When a child's family is displaced, they are often moved into a new school district. Think back to your childhood and how so many of your communities were tied to your school; sports, arts, friends, music, neighborhoods. Moving schools means these communities are immediately stripped from a child, which can be detrimental to a child's development, no matter their age. If we were to invest in children, we can work to rebuild past communities, build new communities, or reintegrate into old ones. Providing a space for children to thrive and grow, both educationally and personally, is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty that is too commonly tied to gentrification. Strong communities mean strong support systems, and that is one of the most valuable things we can provide a child.
like-minded organizations
Portland for Everyone
Non-profit advocacy, education, and research organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening Oregon’s land use planning program.
Housing Oregon
Housing Oregon works to ensure all Oregonians have a healthy and stable place to live. We advocate on the local and state levels for programs and policies to expand affordable housing.
Boys & Girls Club of Portland
Our mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to discover their full potential as caring, engaged, responsible community members.
KairosPDX
Non-profit organization focused on delivering excellent, equitable education to underserved children, their families and their communities.
