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When are D-graded neighborhoods not degraded? Greening the legacy of redlining

Author

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  • Alba Miñano-Mañero

Abstract

This paper explores how geography shapes the legacy of redlining, the systemic mortgage lending bias against minority us neighborhoods. On average, redlined neighborhoods lag behind adjacent, less-discriminated areas in home values, income, and racial composition. Yet, redlined neighborhoods near parks and water fare better. To help understand convergence, we inventory waterfront renovations, apply machine learning to historical imagery to track tree canopy changes, and instrument such changes exploiting tree replacements due to geographic variation in tree plagues and susceptible species. Findings suggest that enhancing waterfronts and increasing tree canopy can mitigate the long-lasting effects of institutionalized discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Alba Miñano-Mañero, 2024. "When are D-graded neighborhoods not degraded? Greening the legacy of redlining," Working Papers REM 2024/0353, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, REM, Universidade de Lisboa.
    • Handle: RePEc:ise:remwps:wp03532024
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    File URL: https://rem.rc.iseg.ulisboa.pt/wps/pdf/REM_WP_0353_2024.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    redlining; geography; natural amenities; waterfronts; tree canopy.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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