Presenter(s): Joseph Moore—Sociology
Faculty Mentor(s): Raoul Lievanos
Session 5.5: McNair Scholars Presentations
Gentrification is a process in which middle class homebuyers, landlords and developers build new structures on previously developed land once occupied by working class populations . This practice has displaced low-income and African-American residents from their homes with little to no time to come up with the type of capital needed to relocate . This research was focused on the gentrification taking place in the Hilltop neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington, which has been a historically African- American area since the early 20th century . The purpose of this study was to use data in the form of firsthand accounts from the residents of Tacoma, narratives from past case studies, city of Tacoma documents, and historical analysis to demonstrate the use of discriminatory real estate/housing practices that have dictated the use of space within Tacoma . This study also used data in the form of eviction rates, percentages, number of evictions, and the number of eviction notices from the Hilltop neighborhood in comparison to the data from the city, state, regional, and national levels . Further data was used in the form of the rising rent costs and property values that have contributed to the displacement of low-income and African-American populations from the Hilltop neighborhood . This study will culminate in a well-researched article that will contribute to existing knowledge and provide further evidence for the occurrence of gentrification in Tacoma .