Pushing Back on Displacement: Community-Based Redevelopment through Historically Black Churches

Abstract

Gentrification and subsequent displacement are common problems in cities, and result in the removal of poor communities and communities of color from urban areas as they move to cheaper locations in the metropolitan region. Here we describe a community-based approach to redevelopment by historic Black churches that seeks to counter such displacement and cultural removal. We explain the history of a historically Black neighborhood in Seattle and the founding and rationale for a church-led project called the Nehemiah Initiative. Our perspective is that of participants in the work of the Nehemiah Initiative and as faculty and students from a local university partner supporting it. We conclude with policy strategies that can be used to support such redevelopment in Seattle, with understanding that some may be broadly applicable to other cities.

Whose City?: Invitations and Imaginaries and the Nehemiah Initiative’s Example for Seattle

“…While a home for many different communities over time, it is best and most recently known as the hub of the city's African American community, with a thriving culture of Black-owned businesses. But it is also a district shaped by racist policies and exclusion (Born et al 2021).…”

“…As the neighborhood became more integrated, however, property values began to rise, and services directed toward the Black community began to shift south with the population. In 1994, the Central District was one of the first neighborhoods designated as an urban village in Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, which signaled that the city was prepared to invest in the area to support additional density, development, and infrastructure, paving the way toward further gentrification (Born et al 2021).…”

“…While the interplay between gentrification and increased density continues to be debated, especially regarding the benefits for people in need of affordable housing (Manville, Lens, and to as the "big eight"-include over five hundred thousand square feet in the Central District that, under current zoning, could be developed to provide over seven hundred new housing units (Born et al 2021). The land collectively is valued at $150 million at the time of this writing.…”

“…The initiative focuses on collaborative efforts among the churches to stay in place by leveraging their significant real estate assets for long-term financial security and building a range of housing types and commercial space (Born et al 2021). Through the initiative's formation, the churches are taking on the role of community designer and developer.…”

“…The collaboration offers solutions to the challenges based on the combination of church land ownership, community participation, professional skills, and vision in a rapidly growing region and local government and university support toward the goal of providing and preserving housing opportunities for all residents (Born et al 2021). The initiative plays a significant role in shifting Black churches to addressing gentrification directly.…”