Red Hot City: Housing, Race, and Exclusion in Twenty-First-Century Atlanta

In Atlanta, growth-at-all-costs planning and policy have exacerbated inequality and racial division, with affluent suburbs trying to push back against diversity. Red Hot City explores these trends and offers lessons for leaders, activists, and residents to create more socially equitable cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Atlanta, the bustling capital of the American South, stands at the forefront of expansion, inequality, and political significance. In recent decades, the city has witnessed a significant surge in racialized gentrification, while the suburbs have become increasingly diverse, with affluent suburbs striving to resist this diversity. Red Hot City, a captivating exploration of Atlanta's past and future, delves into these racial and economic shifts and the politics and policies that have shaped them.

Author Dan Immergluck meticulously documents the trends that are challenging Atlanta's late-twentieth-century "poor-in-the-core" urban model. A renewed emphasis on capital-driven growth has excluded low-income individuals and families of color from the city's center, pushing them to distant suburbs, far from essential services such as mass transit, large public hospitals, and other vital amenities. This book offers valuable insights for leaders, activists, and residents in cities worldwide, as it examines how planners and policymakers can reverse recent trends to create more socially equitable urban environments.

Atlanta's history is a testament to its resilience and transformation. The city has witnessed significant growth and development, driven by factors such as industrialization, urbanization, and the civil rights movement. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed, leading to disparities in income, education, and access to resources.

The suburbs of Atlanta have experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. As the city's center has become more affluent and exclusive, many affluent suburbs have emerged, seeking to escape the city's challenges. These suburbs offer a more suburban lifestyle, with spacious homes, well-maintained parks, and excellent schools. However, they have also come under scrutiny for their efforts to limit diversity and prevent the influx of low-income individuals and families of color.

One of the critical challenges facing Atlanta is the issue of gentrification. Gentrification is the process by which affluent individuals and businesses move into low-income neighborhoods, often displacing long-time residents and contributing to rising property values. While gentrification can bring economic benefits to the area, it can also exacerbate inequality and create social tensions. In Atlanta, gentrification has led to the displacement of low-income individuals and families of color from central Atlanta, pushing them to distant suburbs.

This displacement has had significant consequences for the city's social and economic landscape. Low-income individuals and families of color who are displaced from central Atlanta are often left without access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. They are also more likely to live in areas with limited job opportunities and higher levels of poverty.

In response to these challenges, there have been efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Atlanta. The city has implemented policies aimed at attracting and retaining diverse businesses and residents, such as the Atlanta Beltline project, which aims to create a sustainable transportation system and promote economic development in underserved areas.

However, there is still much work to be done. Atlanta faces significant challenges in creating a more socially equitable city, including addressing income inequality, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting community engagement.

One of the key strategies for promoting social equity in Atlanta is to invest in affordable housing. Affordable housing is essential for ensuring that all residents have access to safe and stable housing, regardless of their income level. The city has implemented various programs to promote affordable housing, such as the Atlanta Housing Authority and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

Another critical area for promoting social equity is education. Education is a powerful tool for promoting social mobility and reducing inequality. Atlanta has invested significant resources in its education system, including charter schools, magnet schools, and public schools. However, there is still a need to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Healthcare is another critical area for promoting social equity. Access to healthcare is essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease. Atlanta has a robust healthcare system, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. However, there are still gaps in healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals and families of color.

Community engagement is also essential for promoting social equity. Community engagement involves involving residents in decision-making processes and promoting a sense of belonging and pride in the community. Atlanta has implemented various programs to promote community engagement, such as community gardens and youth programs.

In conclusion, Atlanta is a city that is facing significant challenges in promoting social equity. However, there are many strategies that can be implemented to address these challenges. Investing in affordable housing, improving access to education, promoting community engagement, and addressing healthcare disparities are critical areas for promoting social equity in Atlanta. By working together, policymakers, community leaders, and residents can create a more socially equitable city that is inclusive and sustainable for all.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520387645