The Potential Impact of Urban Renewal and Gentrification in the Historic Westside

Photo Credit: PH-00394_20161026_UNLVsc_5394. UNLV University Libraries Photographs of the Development of the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada, 2016-2018. PH-00394. Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Historic Westside of Las Vegas embodies the rich history and enduring spirit of the local African American community, a testament to resilience and cultural heritage. Yet, beneath this lies a community at a crossroads, facing an imminent shadow of urban renewal and gentrification. While these forces have yet to fully take hold, their shade cast doubt and concern among residents and advocates alike. In the following blog, we delve into the intricate dynamics shaping the destiny of the Historic Westside, emphasizing the urgent need for communal engagement and proactive involvement. It is imperative that all stakeholders, from longstanding residents to new-coming advocates, recognize the pivotal role they play in safeguarding the essence and integrity of this cherished neighborhood.

Understanding Urban Renewal and Gentrification

Urban renewal and gentrification are urban planning and development processes that often lead to significant changes in neighborhoods and communities. While the Historic Westside has not undergone widespread gentrification, there are signs that it could be a target for redevelopment in the future.

Urban renewal is a process of redevelopment, often led by local governments or developers, aimed at revitalizing urban areas by improving infrastructure, renovating buildings, and attracting investment. The goal is to address blight, enhance economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life in the community.

Gentrification, on the other hand, refers to the transformation of a neighborhood or urban area where wealthier individuals and families move in, often leading to increased property values, changes in demographics, and shifts in the cultural and social fabric of the community. Gentrification can result in the displacement of long-time residents and businesses due to rising rents and property taxes, as well as changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood.

While urban renewal and gentrification both involve changes to urban areas, they differ in their underlying motivations, impacts, and outcomes. Urban renewal typically focuses on improving the physical and economic conditions of a neighborhood, while gentrification often involves demographic shifts and cultural changes that can lead to displacement and social tensions.

In the context of the Historic Westside, understanding the differences between urban renewal and gentrification is essential for assessing the potential impacts of redevelopment and ensuring that any changes benefit current residents and preserve the neighborhood’s cultural heritage and identity.

The City of Las Vegas’ HUNDRED Plan

The City of Las Vegas’ HUNDRED (Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment) Plan represents a proactive approach to community development and revitalization in the Historic Westside. According to the City of Las Vegas, public input was key in creating the HUNDRED Plan, with the UNLV Design Center and the Historic Westside community partnering to develop the plan.

A series of community and stakeholder workshops were organized by UNLV, allowing for a multidisciplinary team of local and international consultants, as well as UNLV School of Architecture students, to listen to the community’s vision and aspirations. This collaborative approach helped generate solutions based on neighborhood feedback and ensured that the unique qualities of the Historic Westside were enhanced through proposed moves.

In December 2019, a group of Historic Westside stakeholders, city staff, and design professionals came together to advance the first phase of implementation of the plan. This phase focused on immediately implementable projects in the areas of identity, economy, housing, and civic investments, including a new library, theater, and historical museum. Thus, “The HUNDRED Plan in Action” was born. 

The goal of the first phase of work was to address critical needs such as housing, food, and jobs, and target investment to catalytic areas where the city had land and/or resources to advance projects quickly. Future phases of implementation will continue to build on the vision set forth in the HUNDRED Plan and move towards complete implementation of the community’s vision.

Urban Renewal Without Displacement

By prioritizing community engagement, affordable housing options, and mixed-income development, neighborhoods can maintain their socio-economic diversity and cultural identity. 

Supporting local businesses and institutions, ensuring equitable access to resources, and providing affordable commercial space are essential steps in fostering inclusive growth. Establishing community land trusts empowers residents to control land use and prevent displacement, while anti-displacement measures safeguard vulnerable populations. 

Transparent planning processes, coupled with open communication, build trust and collaboration among residents, developers, and local government. Through these strategies, communities can revitalize while preserving character and inclusivity.

Empowering Community Voices

At Poetic Neighbor, we understand that the heartbeat of the Historic Westside lies within its current & former residents and young community advocates. Your voices are not just valuable; they are essential instruments of change. It’s imperative that we amplify our voices and ensure they resonate loudly in every discussion and decision concerning the future of our neighborhood.

Your presence matters – whether it’s at city planning meetings, local forums, or city hall gatherings where the Historic Westside takes center stage. These platforms offer invaluable opportunities to voice your concerns, share your vision, and demand accountability from our leaders.

Looking to the Future

As the Historic Westside faces the potential for urban renewal and gentrification, it is crucial to approach any changes with sensitivity and care. By centering the voices and experiences of current & former residents and young people, we can ensure that the neighborhood remains a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come.