Infrastructure Policy and Racism in an American City: A Case Study of Chicago

Infrastructure policy has a long and complex history in the United States. From the early days of the republic, infrastructure projects have been used to connect people and places, and to promote economic development. However, infrastructure policy has also been used to divide and exclude communities, and to perpetuate racial inequality.

Paved A Way: Infrastructure, Policy and Racism in an American City

by Collin Yarbrough

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3172 KB
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Chicago is a city that has been deeply shaped by infrastructure policy. The city's rapid growth in the 19th and 20th centuries was fueled by a massive investment in infrastructure, including railroads, highways, and public transportation. However, this investment was not evenly distributed. Black residents were often excluded from the benefits of new infrastructure, and they were often forced to live in segregated neighborhoods with poor housing and inadequate public services.

The legacy of racism in infrastructure policy continues to shape Chicago today. Black residents are more likely to live in neighborhoods with high levels of air pollution, and they are less likely to have access to quality public transportation. This inequality is a direct result of decades of discriminatory infrastructure policy.

One of the most notorious examples of racist infrastructure policy in Chicago is the practice of redlining. Redlining is the systematic denial of mortgages and other financial services to residents of certain neighborhoods, based on their race or ethnicity. Redlining was used extensively in Chicago in the early 20th century, and it helped to create a pattern of racial segregation that persists today.

In addition to redlining, Chicago has also been plagued by a history of urban renewal projects that have displaced Black residents. These projects, which were often undertaken in the name of slum clearance, have often resulted in the destruction of Black neighborhoods and the displacement of their residents.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to address the legacy of racism in infrastructure policy. This movement has called for increased investment in infrastructure in Black and brown communities, and for policies that promote racial equity.

One example of this movement is the INVEST South/West initiative, which is a community-led effort to revitalize the South and West Sides of Chicago. The initiative is focused on investing in infrastructure, creating jobs, and promoting economic development in these communities.

The INVEST South/West initiative is just one example of the growing movement to address the legacy of racism in infrastructure policy. This movement is essential to creating a more just and equitable city.

Infrastructure policy is a powerful tool that can be used to shape the lives of people and communities. However, infrastructure policy has also been used to divide and exclude communities, and to perpetuate racial inequality. The legacy of racism in infrastructure policy continues to shape Chicago today, but there is a growing movement to address this legacy and create a more just and equitable city.

**Alt attribute for image:** A photo of a group of people protesting against racist infrastructure policy.

**Long SEO title:** Infrastructure Policy and Racism in an American City: A Case Study of Chicago's Legacy of Segregation and Exclusion

Paved A Way: Infrastructure, Policy and Racism in an American City

by Collin Yarbrough

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3172 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	262 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE