Revisiting Inner-City Strips: A Framework for Community and Economic Development

Abstract

This article focuses on the commercial strips of the American inner city, many of which are currently characterized by major decay and disinvestment. After a brief historic overview of the evolution and decay of inner-city commercial strips, the article turns to fieldwork research. The study uses case studies from Los Angeles for an assessment of the current economic environment of inner-city strips. Drawing information from surveys of inner-city residents and merchants along three corridors and focus group research with merchants along a fourth corridor, the article reports the perils and potential of business development along the strips and outlines suggestions for economic improvement and community development.