Urban ChallengesAP Human Geography

What is the “inner city?” Residential neighborhoods that surround

the CBD. Suburbs exist on the periphery of the

city. High concentrations of low income

residents (compared to the suburbs) Inner city residents face a unique set of

challenges.

Deterioration Over time, houses grow

old and fall into a state of disrepair

Landlords abandon properties instead of maintaining them.

Filtering- larger houses are divided into multiple units.

Redlining- banks deny loans to people living in certain areas.

Urban Renewal The process of

identifying blighted neighborhoods, purchasing the property, clearing the site (including residents), and redeveloping the area.

Controversy: destroys traditional neighborhoods, “negro removal (1960s)

Gentrification Middle class

suburbanites move back into the city and renovate housing

Shorter commute, closer to nightlife/ recreation

Rents/ taxes increase May change ethnic

patterns (minorities are displaced)

Social Issues Underclass- refers to residents trapped in

continuous economic and social problems. “Culture of Poverty”

Unemployment Alcoholism Drug addiction Lack of education Crime Homelessness

Economic Issues Inner city residents require public

services, but cannot pay taxes to cover them.

Two choices: Reduce Services (close libraries, reduce

public transit, outdated school equipment) Middle class residents may leave

Raise Taxes