Green Development as a Catalyst for Change in the Purpose of Small Downtowns

Abstract

Green gentrification is a process where the environment of a poor urban area is changed by the wealthy moving in, displacing low-income inhabitants. This trend has been studied in large cities (with populations of 250,000 or more). Small downtowns (with populations between 25,000 to 50,000) are seeing shifts in green revitalization efforts"“ specifically with the construction of parks and urban greenery. However, are small downtowns seeing these same effects, and what can be done to ensure the wellness of its original residents? In this analysis I will review the history and current state of downtowns in the US, utilizing green space initiatives as a marker of gentrification. I will then perform an analysis of the costs and benefits of these green initiatives. I then suggest strategies to find balance between neighborhood preservation and elevation, grounded in the existing literature from larger cities. I conclude with ideas about further research in the study of gentrification in small towns.