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The long-run implications of slum clearance: A neighborhood analysis

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  • LaVoice, Jessica

Abstract

This paper analyzes the federal urban renewal and slum clearance program. This program was one of the largest and most controversial policies used to rehabilitate neighborhoods in the United States. Using a newly constructed dataset, I examine the characteristics of neighborhoods cleared for redevelopment and the effect that such projects had on neighborhoods over time. I show that conditional on experiencing urban blight, Black neighborhoods were twice as likely as white neighborhoods to be targeted for clearance. Redevelopment led to a decline in housing density, population density, and the share of Black residents while simultaneously increasing median rents and incomes.

Suggested Citation

  • LaVoice, Jessica, 2024. "The long-run implications of slum clearance: A neighborhood analysis," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:236:y:2024:i:c:s0047272724000896
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Urban renewal; Slum clearance; Housing Act of 1949;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • N32 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • N92 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R38 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Government Policy
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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