When the federal government invested billions of dollars in highways beginning in the 1950s, Black and lower-income neighborhoods across the country were razed or cut off from surrounding communities. Now, cities throughout the country are attempting to right those past wrongs and reconnect communities that were damaged by highway construction. To viably pursue equity goals within this redevelopment process, the voices of the residents who live in these neighborhoods must be raised. One organization attempting to do this is Hinge Neighbors, a community-led nonprofit based in Rochester, NY. This fact sheet provides a variety of resources to assist organizations like Hinge Neighbors in leveraging available funds to advance community redevelopment goals as highways are removed.
Urban Institute
by Christina Plerhoples Stacy, Yonah Freemark & Rebecca Dedert
June 9, 2022