Short Wave Minneapolis' Bold Plan To Tackle Racial Inequity And Climate Change
Jun 25, 2020
Lauren Sommer, an NPR climate reporter and urban planning expert, joins to unravel how Minneapolis is confronting its history of racial inequity intertwined with climate change. She discusses the city’s new zoning rules, aiming to dismantle structural racism and enhance sustainability. They delve into the effects of racial covenants and the urgency of reform to address housing disparities. Community voices call for inclusive policies, highlighting the impact of these changes on marginalized groups and the importance of community engagement in shaping a fairer urban landscape.
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Racial Covenants in Minneapolis
- In 1910, Minneapolis land developers used racial covenants, restricting property ownership to white people.
- Historian Kirsten Delagard discovered such a covenant on her grandparents' Minneapolis property deed.
Lasting Impact of Covenants
- Racial covenants, though banned in 1953, still impact Minneapolis demographics.
- Areas with past covenants remain the wealthiest and whitest, highlighting lasting segregation.
Zoning Changes and Climate
- Minneapolis eliminated single-family zoning to increase housing options and density.
- This aims to address housing shortages and promote climate-friendly urban development.