Housing, Inequality, and Community Economic Development

Modern cities are battlegrounds of economic inequality, where housing policy and wealth concentration dictate who gets to thrive. Understanding the intersection of urban planning, community development, and economic systems is crucial for anyone wanting to build more equitable neighborhoods. This course equips you with the foundational knowledge to analyze how local policies, housing markets, and socioeconomic disparities shape urban environments. You will explore the mechanisms of wealth accumulation, gentrification, and community-led economic development to understand how to foster sustainable, inclusive growth. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the fundamentals of housing policy, zoning, and urban land markets. 2. Analyze the impact of wealth concentration and income inequality on neighborhood development. 3. Explore modern community wealth-building models, including community land trusts and cooperatives. 4. Examine the causes and consequences of gentrification, displacement, and housing insecurity. 5. Evaluate local economic development strategies designed to support low- and moderate-income residents. The course starts with essential terminology and the historical foundations of urban planning and housing policy. You will then progress through written case studies and analytical frameworks that examine the relationship between capital concentration and community-level economic outcomes. This course is designed for beginners, community advocates, aspiring urban planners, and anyone interested in local economic justice. No prior background in economics or urban planning is required. Step into the world of urban studies and start analyzing the forces that shape our communities today.