A Community Driven Research and Action Project to Diversify the Gentrification Dialogue

Co-Authors: Magalis Troncoso, Dominican Development Center

       Remi Formal, Boston University

       Marlene Kalb, Boston University

       Flavia Perea, Tufts University

Purpose: This paper describes a community academic partnership designed to engage a broad range of municipal sectors in a community conversation to strategize ways to mitigate the negative health effects of gentrification.

Context: The Dominican Development Center (DDC) is a grassroots advocacy and organizing group focused on empowering immigrant communities. The rising cost of housing in Boston associated with gentrification emerged as a growing concern among  DDC stakeholders. DDC partnered with researchers from Boston University School of Social Work and Tufts University Department of Public Health and Community Medicine to explore the impact of gentrification on health with the goal of convening community stakeholders and residents to discuss potential solutions.

Methods: Semi structured key informant interviews (n=11) were conducted with organizers, housing advocates and community development and economic development professionals working with Latino residents and on efforts to address the impact of gentrification on low income residents.  Focus groups (n=2) were held with Latino residents. In addition, we interviewed Latino business owners in a gentrifying areas (n=5). Audio recordings were transcribed and coded thematically by members of the research team. Key themes were shared with leaders in the neighboring community, exploring the impact of gentrification of Black residents. The two groups joined forces to engage municipal leaders in a community conversation with diverse Black and Latino residents to discuss strategies to promote healthy development. Municipal leaders from economic development, fair housing, neighborhood services, public health and elder affairs agreed to serve on a panel  to respond to research themes identified by each community. Attendees (n=65) included diverse Black and Latino residents, academics, public health and medical professionals, elder and housing advocates, as well as grassroots organizers and municipal employees. The conversation was by captured by note takers and thematically analyze.

Results and Implications:  Findings indicate physical displacement is occurring across low-income communities of color in Boston, which directly impacts health and health care access.  However, not all low-income residents are physically displaced.  Residents who remain, those in affordable housing described social and cultural marginalization, while others discussed stress associated with overcrowded living quarters.  To date, gentrification conversations in Boston have occurred largely in the context of affordable housing, however, gentrification is complex and has far-reaching impacts on community health and wellbeing. The implications for municipalities and how they coordinate around community development initiatives are many. Discussion at our community forum included strategies for building coalitions between organizations, municipal leaders and residents; recognizing social and cultural displacement in addition to physical displacement; and including residents, especially those who are marginalized such as elders, youth and people of color, in the decision-making process. Additional themes included affordable housing policies; incentivizing landlords that subsidize rent costs; working more closely with developers; and data collection systems that are transparent and accessible. Exploring gentrification through a health lens opened the door for us to engage diverse stakeholders and residents in the gentrification dialog.