“The 15 Minute-City: An Insight on Gentrification in the U.S and How One Neighborhood Can Deter”
Author: Christian Gamez
Department: UIC Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement
Advisor:Dr. Joseph K. Hoereth, IPCE / Alexander Diaz, Graduate Assistant, UIC-IPCE
Abstract: The 15-minute city is often considered the gold standard of urban planning, aiming to place all essential services—such as grocery stores, hospitals, jobs, schools, and recreational facilities—within a 15-minute bike ride to encourage environmental sustainability and healthy living. Despite its many features that promote sustainable cities, the model has faced criticism, with displacement of existing populations cited as one of its biggest drawbacks. This research aims to build knowledge and an understanding of a 15-minute city model via a case study in Jackson Heights, New York. Analyzing various smart growth initiatives & zoning policies that mitigate gentrification outcomes. Additionally, a literature review was conducted which included review of scholarly journal articles and Census data. Mckinley Park is a neighborhood in Chicago that is in a unique position due to its proximity to downtown, an abundance of amenities, and access to the riverwalk, on how to incorporate aspects of the 15-minute city, without inherently leading to the displacement of the existing population. Therefore, policy recommendations for the neighborhood of Mckinley Park include continue support in regard to current zoning efforts and community initiatives such as the 35th St Rezoning Ordinance (02024-0013956), The Chicago Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance (02024-0011001), Chicago Community Land Trust (CCLT).
Keywords: 15-minute city, Gentrification, zoning