Can Gentrification Battles Promote Civic Health? A Case Study Analysis in San Antonio, Texas

Abstract

Civic health presents an understudied aspect of the gentrification/public health dynamic. When gentrification occurs, community connections and engagement may decline for remaining residents. We turn this question around, however, considering how opposition to proposed land-use changes seen as gentrifying may stimulate civic health, evidenced by emergence of a cohesive opposition effort. Our analysis highlights the context in which community opposition may fend off the deleterious impact of gentrification on public health. Our investigation proceeds through two case studies in San Antonio, Texas, in which a low-income community opposed zoning changes perceived as threats. Through an assessment of the public record (media coverage and City Council hearing archives), we create a baseline framework of association that may be generalized to future studies. In both cases, the threat fostered elements of civic health, driven by both organized and newly formed groups, and premised on concerns about dislocation, sense of place, and historic/cultural destruction. Concerning impact, we found mixed results. Trailer park tenants facing displacement lacked the resources to prevail. On the other hand, opponents of a mixed-use development partially replacing aging public housing lost their initial rezoning battle, but eventually prevailed through stronger resources and foundational arguments.