Race and Housing Choice in Metropolitan America: James Johnson Metro Series

Race remains a significant factor shaping housing choices and opportunities in metropolitan America. Despite decades of civil rights legislation and fair housing policies, racial inequality persists in housing markets across the country.

The James Johnson Metro Series is a groundbreaking study that examines the complex relationship between race and housing choice in six metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Key Findings

The Metro Series found that racial disparities in housing opportunities are widespread and persistent.

• Black and Hispanic households are more likely to live in segregated neighborhoods with lower-quality housing and fewer amenities.
• Black and Hispanic households face more discrimination in the housing market, including being denied mortgages, charged higher interest rates, and steered toward less desirable neighborhoods.
• These disparities contribute to racial wealth gaps and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

Causes of Racial Disparities

The Metro Series identified several factors that contribute to racial disparities in housing:

• Historical discrimination: Decades of redlining, racial covenants, and other discriminatory practices have created a legacy of racial segregation in housing markets.
• Current discrimination: Discrimination continues to occur in many forms, including steering, racial profiling, and bias in lending.
• Economic inequality: Racial disparities in income and wealth make it more difficult for Black and Hispanic households to afford quality housing.
• Lack of affordable housing: The shortage of affordable housing in many metropolitan areas makes it harder for Black and Hispanic households to find decent and affordable housing.

Policy Recommendations

The Metro Series makes several recommendations for policies to address racial disparities in housing:

• Strengthen fair housing laws: Enact stronger laws to prevent discrimination in housing and provide more resources for enforcement.
• Increase affordable housing supply: Invest in the production of affordable housing to make it more accessible to Black and Hispanic households.
• Promote homeownership: Expand programs to help Black and Hispanic households buy homes and build wealth.
• Address racial bias: Implement policies to reduce racial bias in housing, including implicit bias training for housing professionals.
• Monitor and evaluate progress: Regularly track data on racial disparities in housing and evaluate the effectiveness of policies to address them.

The James Johnson Metro Series provides a comprehensive analysis of race and housing choice in metropolitan America. The study's findings highlight the persistent challenges faced by Black and Hispanic households in the housing market.

The recommendations outlined in the Metro Series offer a roadmap for policymakers to address racial inequities in housing and create more just and equitable communities.