From Slum Clearance to Homelessness: The Role of Universities in Urban Renewal and Poverty Alleviation, 1972–2000

Robert E. Lester, Editor 

This resource explores urban poverty in North America, specifically how cities addressed poverty through policy initiatives between the 1970s and 1990s. Using materials from Policy Commons’ North American Urban Documents Collection, the essay examines themes such as housing, economic development, welfare reform, and community engagement efforts aimed at alleviating poverty.

To explore these themes further or for assistance in navigating the collection, please contact Bob Lester, Editor at blester@coherentdigital.net.

During the period from 1972 to 2000, many cities across the United States participated in federal programs like the War on Poverty, the Model Cities Program, slum clearance, and urban renewal initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, improving housing, and revitalizing economically depressed urban areas. Many college and university cities were central to these efforts, where academic institutions played key roles in policy development, research, and community engagement. Additionally, the issue of homelessness became a growing concern, often exacerbated by urban renewal programs that displaced low-income residents.

This essay focuses on examples of college and university cities that supported these urban programs, highlighting their involvement in housing, slum clearance, poverty alleviation, and homelessness.

Key Examples of College and University Cities

Berkeley, CA
Home to University of California, Berkeley, this city became a focal point for community activism against urban displacement. Berkeley’s involvement in slum clearance and urban renewal projects in the 1970s was heavily influenced by university-driven advocacy, focusing on affordable housing, community preservation, and resisting large-scale redevelopment that would displace low-income populations. Homelessness became a growing issue, with the university playing a role in community-based solutions, such as the creation of shelters and housing programs.

Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona in Tucson was deeply involved in research related to urban poverty and renewal. The city’s urban renewal projects, including slum clearance, often sought to address homelessness by integrating affordable housing into redevelopment plans. University researchers contributed to policy-making efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving living conditions for those displaced by urban renewal.

Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan was actively involved in studying the impacts of urban renewal and poverty programs. Ann Arbor participated in various urban revitalization projects, addressing both slum clearance and homelessness. The university's involvement included research on the social consequences of displacement and advocating for policies to provide affordable housing options for those affected by slum clearance.

Cambridge, MA
Harvard University and MIT in Cambridge played central roles in shaping urban renewal strategies. The city faced significant challenges with slum clearance and displacement, and homelessness became a growing issue. Academic research on affordable housing, gentrification, and the impact of urban renewal policies helped inform the city’s response, which included creating housing for low-income residents and shelters for the homeless.

Tempe, AZ
With the presence of Arizona State University, Tempe engaged in urban renewal projects aimed at improving housing conditions and reducing homelessness. The university contributed to research on urban development, providing solutions for affordable housing to mitigate the effects of slum clearance and redevelopment that displaced residents.

Tuscaloosa, AL
As the home of The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa was part of the federal urban renewal and Model Cities Program. Slum clearance efforts, while improving infrastructure, contributed to the displacement of low-income families. The university’s research on poverty and housing informed local policies aimed at alleviating homelessness, providing shelters, and developing affordable housing solutions.

Boulder, CO
University of Colorado Boulder contributed to urban renewal efforts in the city, where slum clearance and displacement of residents were part of larger redevelopment plans. Homelessness emerged as an issue, and the university was involved in creating programs that provided services to homeless populations, including temporary shelters and low-income housing initiatives.

Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, home to University of Alabama at Birmingham, was deeply involved in slum clearance and urban renewal initiatives. These efforts sometimes led to the displacement of low-income residents, exacerbating homelessness in the city. UAB’s researchers focused on finding community-based solutions, including providing housing assistance and services for the homeless.

Santa Barbara, CA
University of California, Santa Barbara played a role in the city’s urban renewal projects, which included slum clearance and the creation of affordable housing. Homelessness became a pressing issue, particularly among displaced low-income residents, and UCSB researchers worked on developing sustainable solutions for housing the homeless, including temporary shelter programs.

Fresno, CA
California State University, Fresno was involved in community development efforts in the Central Valley. Fresno faced high levels of poverty and homelessness, with slum clearance and urban renewal projects displacing many residents. The university's involvement included research on housing policies and community-driven initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness by providing affordable housing.

Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky in Lexington was involved in addressing urban renewal challenges, including the displacement of residents due to slum clearance. The university’s researchers contributed to the development of affordable housing programs aimed at reducing homelessness in the city, which was worsened by urban redevelopment projects.

Austin, TX
University of Texas at Austin contributed to the city’s urban renewal efforts, which included slum clearance and downtown revitalization. Displacement from urban redevelopment led to increased homelessness, and the university played a role in policy development for affordable housing and services for homeless populations.

Irvine, CA
University of California, Irvine was a central figure in the city’s sustainable urban renewal projects. UCI researchers focused on developing affordable housing to counter the displacement of residents due to slum clearance, and the city worked on reducing homelessness through shelters and supportive housing programs.

Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison was a leader in urban studies and contributed to research on housing policies, urban poverty, and homelessness. Madison’s Model Cities Program and urban renewal efforts aimed at reducing poverty and addressing slum conditions often led to displacement, and the city faced rising homelessness. The university’s involvement in creating affordable housing solutions and shelter programs helped mitigate the impact of these urban policies.

Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University supported urban renewal efforts in Tallahassee, which included slum clearance and community development. The displacement caused by these projects increased the homeless population, and FSU researchers were involved in initiatives aimed at providing housing and services for homeless individuals.

Newark, DE
University of Delaware played a role in urban renewal efforts in Newark. The city’s participation in slum clearance projects led to displacement and homelessness, and the university’s research helped inform local policies on affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

Conclusion

Many college and university cities played a significant role in the urban renewal efforts during the 1972-1999 period, including slum clearance and the Model Cities Program. While these initiatives aimed to reduce poverty and improve urban infrastructure, they often had the unintended consequence of displacing low-income residents, contributing to rising homelessness. Universities in these cities not only provided research and policy guidance but also helped develop community-based solutions such as affordable housing and support services for homeless populations.

This comprehensive approach to urban renewal highlights both the challenges and the opportunities presented by these federal programs, particularly in college and university towns where academic involvement shaped the outcome of urban development projects.