Housing Segregation: Redlining in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
The Ongoing Influence of Historical Housing Policies on Present-Day Communities
"This very persistent myth that northern cities never had formal segregation. Well, racial covenants did the work of Jim Crow in the north all over the north" [1].
History of Housing Segregation in the U.S.
During the 1930s Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the "New Deal," a comprehensive set of federal programs designed to provide economic relief to millions of Americans. A notable component of this New Deal was the National Housing Act of 1934, introducing critical concepts such as the 30-year mortgage and low, fixed interest rates. These innovations aimed to enhance the accessibility of homeownership for lower-income individuals [2].
These colors were utilized by the HOLC to generate color-coded maps and distribute mortgage funds based on these ratings.
This led to the establishment of the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) which played a pivotal role in shaping housing policy during this period. The HOLC introduced the concept of residential security maps, which subsequently gave rise to the term "redlining." These maps categorized neighborhoods using a four-color system: green denoted "best" areas, typically occupied by businessmen; blue represented "good" areas, where white-collar families resided; yellow indicated "declining" areas, populated by working-class families; and red signified "detrimental influences" or "hazardous" areas, primarily characterized by black and brown communities, including foreign-born individuals [2].
These distinctions had detrimental consequences for people of color and other minority groups, effectively excluding them from opportunities to improve their lives, which were readily available in greenlined areas with federally backed loans [1].
Residential Segregation - Redlined Neighborhoods
Residents of redlined areas experience a decline in property values and a reduction in their overall quality of life. These adverse living conditions encompass exposure to industrial toxic waste, limited access to grocery stores offering fresh produce, higher crime rates, increased poverty, and a prevalence of health issues like asthma and chronic diseases [2].
The differentiation between these green and red areas created disparities in health, wealth, education, and policing that continue to be observable in the present day.
The historical context of housing policies and racial discrimination in the United States (Diagrams)
Housing Segregation and Redlining in America
Housing segregation in the United States and its far-reaching effects on various aspects of life, such as education, health, wealth, and policing [2].
Redlining and Racial Covenants: Jim Crow of the North
- Redlining and racial covenants contributed to systemic racial segregation and disparities that continue to affect communities today [1].
Racial Covenants
Racial covenants were legally binding agreements that dictated property ownership in particular areas to be reserved exclusively for White individuals. These covenant restrictions were attached to the property deed, guaranteeing their long-term enforcement. Anyone who dared to contest these restrictions faced the possibility of forfeiting their claim to the property [5].
Racial covenants were discriminatory and targeted various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For example, racial covenants found in Minneapolis explicitly specified that properties could not be transferred, mortgaged, or leased to individuals of “Chinese, Japanese, Moorish, Turkish, Negro, Mongolian, or African descent”. The underlying belief was that having people from these communities residing in the area would diminish property values [4].
The impact of Racial covenant
Despite the fact that racial covenants have been illegal for more than half a century, their discriminatory restrictions laid the foundation for contemporary racial injustices and continue to exert an influence on the well-being of those residing in the communities they helped shape. This influence extends to wealth disparities, as properties with historical covenants are now valued more highly compared to identical houses that were never subjected to racial restrictions. Conversely, homes in "redlined" neighborhoods, where Black individuals were allowed to acquire property, have experienced significant devaluation. Moreover, these covenants also play a role in modern health disparities, as they directed investments in green amenities like trees, which continue to affect neighborhood temperatures (e.g., urban heat) today [4].
The impact of racial covenants continues to be felt across many parts of the country, and this is particularly evident in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington. These areas have been reported as among the worst in terms of Black homeownership, with a rate of 24.8 percent compared to White homeownership at 74.5 percent, resulting in a significant 50 percent gap [5].
Racial Covenant Diagram
We Still Feel the Impact of Racial Covenants and Redlining Today [5]
Link to Previous Story Map
Enironmental Quality in the Urban Twin Cities, Minnesota
Environmental Quality in the Urban Twin Cities, Minnesota
Research Questions
The project utilized a map layer of Environmental Quality from a previous project that I created. This map layer considered multiple variables, including the proximity to parks, the presence of water features like lakes and rivers, the extent of pavement, the proximity to roads with noise pollution, and the density of tree coverage as indicators of environmental quality.
This research aims to identify correlations and patterns between historical discriminatory practices and policies, specifically redlining, greenlining, and racial covenants, which were used to segregate people based on race, and how these practices intersect with environmental factors such as environmental quality, land surface temperature, and tree cover. The goal is to seek to understand how these factors collectively influence present-day outcomes, including health (e.g., exposure to environmental heat), socioeconomic status (e.g., land value), and the built environment (e.g., greener neighborhoods).
The processes used to create these maps are:
To create these maps, I gathered data from the Minnesota Geospatial Commons and visualized it using a GIS platform. I used functional tools such as Zonal Statistics to analyze the land surface temperature, environmental quality, and tree cover within greenlined and redlined areas independently. Additionally, I used the Clip Raster function to determine the environmental quality, tree cover, and land surface temperature in areas that signed contracts of racial covenants. I also used the Clip function to estimate the current land values in neighborhoods where racial covenants were documented in house deeds.
GIS Maps: Greenlined and Redlined Areas
Land Surface Temperature in the Twin Cities
Land Surface Temperature: Low (cool)|High (hot)
Land Surface Temperature of Greenlined and Redlined Areas
This map illustrates a comparison between Greenlined areas (on the right side) and Redlined areas (on the left side). The map demonstrates that the Redlined areas show higher temperatures, represented by a range of more red and yellow shades, while the Greenlined areas feature more green and yellow shades, indicating lower temperatures.
Land Surface Temperature in Greenlined and Redlined Areas: Low (cool)|High (hot)
The highest average temperature is found in the redlined area at 97 °F.
Environmental Quality
Environmental Quality Model
Environmental Quality of Greenlined and Redlined Areas
- The mean environmental quality of a greenlined area is 259%.
- The mean of environmental quality of a redlined area is 212%.
Environmental Quality in Greenlined and Redlined Areas
Areas that had racial covenant have the highest environmental quality with 277%, seconded by greenlined areas with 259%, and lastly redlined areas with 212%.
Greenlined Model
Redlined Model
Estimated Value of Greenlined and Redlined Areas
- The estimated land value of a greenlined area now is $1,171,049.6.
- Estimated land value of redlined area now $336,7772.2
Estimated Value Per Acre
The highest estimated land value per acre is in greenlined areas, which is three times the average price in redlined areas.
Tree Cover
- The mean average of tree cover in a greenlined area is 43.
- The mean average of a redlined area is 23.
The difference between areas with racial covenants to areas that were greenlined is 5%, while redlined areas lag behind by at least 20%.
Historic Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood Appraisal
The HOLC created color-shaded maps that served to evaluate the eligibility of areas for mortgage loans. These color-coded maps played a role in implementing discriminatory lending practices based on racial criteria, leading to racial segregation in various areas throughout the United States, including the Twin Cities in Minnesota, as shown in these maps [2].
Greenlined Residential Security Map by the HOLC
Neighborhoods coded in green were considered the "best" candidates for federally backed loans, such as HOLC loans.
Redlined Residential Security Map by the HOLC
Neighborhoods coded in red were considered "hazardous" and thus did not qualify for federally backed loans, such as HOLC loans, resulting in a lack of mortgage loan availability in these areas, as in the map.
GIS Maps: Racial Covenants
Tree Cover in Areas that had Racial Covenants
The mean average of tree cover in a racial covenant area is 48.
Land Surface Temperature in areas that had Racial Covenant
- The mean average of land surface temperature of racial covenant area is 91°F.
Low (cool)|High (hot)
The Environmental Quality of areas that had Racial Covenants
- The mean average of environmental quality of a racial covenant area is 277.
Estimated land value of areas that had Racial Covenants
- The mean average estimated land value per acre of racial covenant area is $707,666.9.
Scatter Plot and Maps
(Area of Study: Saint Paul and Minneapolis)
- Tree Coverage and Pavement
- Tree Coverage and EMV per Acre
- Tree Coverage and Ethnicity
- Redlined and EMV per Acre (Brushed)
- Redlined and Ethnicity (Brushed)
- Redlined and Tree Coverage (Brushed)
Tree coverage and Pavement
As evident from the scatter plot, there is a negative correlation between tree coverage and pavement. As pavement increases, tree coverage decreases.
Tree Coverage and EMV per Acre
As shown in the scatter plot this suggests that there is little to no correlation between tree coverage and the EMV per acre.
Tree Coverage and White population
As observed in the scatter plot, there is a positive correlation between tree coverage and white population. As the population of White people increases, tree coverage also increases.
Redlined Areas and White Population
The blue-brushed areas in the lower right of the scatter plot indicates that areas previously designated to high levels of redlining have remained a predominantly nonwhite population.
Redlined Areas and EMV per Acre
The blue-brushed areas in the lower right of the scatter plot indicates that areas previously designated to high levels of redlining have maintained low estimated land value per acre.
Redlined Areas and Trees
The blue-brushed areas in the lower right of the scatter plot indicate that areas previously designated to high levels of redlining have maintained low tree coverage.
Study Area
This proposal strategically focuses on regions with a history of redlining, specifically centering on the study areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, which collectively house the majority of the population in Minnesota. Specifically, areas that were previously redlined and have experienced and observed increases in land surface temperatures and declines in environmental quality have been identified. The targeted approach aims to instigate positive changes in these redlined neighborhoods by addressing adverse impacts associated with historical redlining, such as a deficiency in green spaces, low tree coverage, and decreased property values.
The proposed solution involves the implementation of Tree-Planting Program, encompassing initiatives designed to enhance environmental quality, improve aesthetics, and alleviate the negative effects of redlining. By strategically planting trees in identified areas, the goal is to mitigate the negative consequences of historical redlining, fostering positive environmental and community outcomes in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
These infographics provide snapshots of formerly redlined neighborhoods in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Benefits of urban trees [10]
Conclusion:
The maps, bar charts, and scatter plots presented earlier clearly demonstrate a correlation between redlined neighborhoods and several negative indicators, including lower environmental quality, higher surface temperatures, reduced tree coverage, and lower estimated land values per acre. This correlation is evident when comparing these redlined areas to those designated as greenlined neighborhoods or areas with covenants. The enduring impacts of the historical discriminatory system are visible through the persistent disadvantages it has imposed on the environment. These disadvantages extend to economic, health, and social challenges for communities residing in the former redlined neighborhoods. Intentional discriminatory practices have resulted in these societal inequalities. Addressing these disparities will call for intentional and targeted interventions and policies to rectify the historical injustices that excluded neighborhoods based on racial discrimination.
Communities residing in neighborhoods with sparse tree coverage face a pressing issue characterized by prevalent urban heat effects. This problem is particularly prominent in lower-income neighborhoods, where residents are less likely to have access to air conditioning or convenient public cooling centers. Addressing this complex challenge presents difficulties for urban planners and public health officials. Nevertheless, an impactful solution that can be promptly implemented involves the expansion of tree planting initiatives. Trees and other vegetation naturally cool the surrounding air by providing shade and releasing water vapor. Although the effects are localized, primarily within a 100-meter radius, they can yield meaningful impacts, potentially reducing temperatures by up to 2°C [6].
Additionally, the benefits of being in close proximity to these trees have been well-established, positively impacting both physical and mental health by boosting energy levels, expediting recovery, and mitigating blood pressure, stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the deliberate placement of trees around buildings is not merely an aesthetic enhancement; it serves a practical purpose by reducing air conditioning needs by 30% and conserving energy for heating by 20–50% [7].
Canopy trees are one of the trees that are used in urban areas to improve. According to this article, the presence of a leafy tree canopy can result in a temperature reduction of nearly 10 degrees in comparison to nearby paved surfaces. Trees bring additional benefits such as air purification, raising property values, and a potential decrease in crime rates. Nonetheless, there exists an uneven distribution of trees across neighborhoods. A recent report from the nonprofit organization American Forests highlights that areas with a higher concentration of low-income households and people of color typically experience a scarcity of trees [8].
In light of how trees benefit cities, there is an ongoing project in Minnesota that plans to plant trees in cities around Minnesota. The program is an initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that has introduced a significant program, dedicating around $1.13 billion in grants for the establishment and care of urban trees across the country. Minnesota cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, are set to benefit from over $33 million. Some of the parts are designed to enhance the overall coverage of trees in urban areas and provide residents with broader access to parks, the initiative aims to decrease temperatures in city environments. This, in turn, could lead to reduced energy costs for residents. Additionally, the initiative has the potential to improve air quality by diminishing carbon dioxide and pollutants in the air, which trees absorb [9].
In conclusion, addressing redlining-related disparities in tree coverage is pivotal for community well-being. Initiatives like Minnesota's tree planting program, supported by substantial USDA grants, offer tangible solutions. Strategic tree planting not only combats urban heat effects and improves air quality but also enhances residents' physical and mental health. This approach, coupled with a commitment to equitable tree distribution and create resilient urban environments. Tackling redlining issues and promoting comprehensive tree planting programs can meaningfully contribute to health, sustainability, and equity in our communities.
Explore Redlined Areas Across the U.S.
If you are interested in exploring other areas affected by redlining across the U.S., click on the link below for a more detailed view.
To gain insight into the historical redlining in other areas in the United States, the homepage of the Mapping Inequality Project website provides the public with access to historical redlining maps across various neighborhoods.
Bibliography
1. Twin Cities PBS. (2019). Redlining and Racial Covenants: Jim Crow of the North. [Video YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymOaiWla3DU.
2. NPR. (2018). Housing Segregation and Redlining in America: A Short History | Code Switch | NPR. [Video YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5FBJyqfoLM.
3. ThinkTVPBS. (2022). What is Redlining? [Video YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzQyKwsVWME.
4. University of Minnesota. (2022). What is a covenant? What is a Covenant? | Mapping Prejudice. https://mappingprejudice.umn.edu/racial-covenants/what-is-a-covenant
5. Twin Cities PBS. (2020). We Still Feel the Impact of Racial Covenants and Redlining Today. YouTube. YouTube. Retrieved November 3, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIi-yClZPME.
6. Mittermaier, P. (2017, August 21). To protect vulnerable populations, plant more trees. The Nature Conservancy. https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/to-protect-vulnerable-populations--plant-more-trees/.
8. Davis, A., & Beckstrom, M. (2021, July 30). Why we need trees in Minnesota cities. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2021/07/29/why-we-need-trees
9. Strong, J. (2023). Feds pledge more than $1 billion to plant trees in cities. Minnesota Reformer. https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/feds-pledge-more-than-1-billion-to-plant-trees-in-cities/
10. The Nature Conservancy. (2020, October 9). 6 ways trees benefit all of Us. https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/build-healthy-cities/cities-stories/benefits-of-trees-forests/.
Metadata
The metadata and ArcGIS maps seen in this story map can be found in:
Najma Mohamed
