“Zoning, Gentrification, and Displacement in Pilsen: Assessing Policy Impacts and Housing Solutions”
Introduction
Author: Marc Zoppi
Department: UIC Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement
Advisor: Dr. Joseph K. Hoereth, IPCE / Marcus Daniels, Graduate Mentor, IPCE
Abstract: Pilsen, a historically Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago's Lower West Side, has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past 15 years. This study examines the historical zoning laws and the economic and sociopolitical factors contributing to gentrification in the area. The research methodology includes a literature review of Pilsen's zoning history by analyzing scholarly articles, academic journals, and U.S. Census Bureau data, revealing the adverse effects of these zoning laws on the neighborhood. The scope of this research focuses on zoning policies from the past 15 years and assesses their impact on displacement, housing availability, and Pilsen's overall socio-economic environment. The findings reveal a direct correlation between zoning laws and gentrification, highlighting the political and economic forces driving demographic change. This research is significant because zoning plays a critical role in shaping neighborhood demographics and housing affordability. Yet, policymakers have historically overlooked zoning's far-reaching impact on neighborhoods, often prioritizing economic development over displacement concerns. Efforts to introduce legislative reforms addressing zoning issues can be challenging due to political resistance and bureaucratic delays, making it difficult to implement policies that prioritize affordability and mitigate displacement. This study recommends that policymakers implement mixed-income and affordable housing initiatives in Pilsen while addressing zoning policies and economic incentives that contribute to displacement. Additionally, efforts should prioritize the preservation of housing availability and ensure that socio-economic development efforts in Pilsen benefit long-term neighborhood residents rather than accelerate gentrification, preserving the neighborhood's culture and identity.
Keywords: gentrification, zoning, economics, sociopolitical factors, Pilsen, mixed-income housing, affordable housing