Kristen Slack, PhD

Gentrification is often debated as either positive revitalization or harmful displacement but the reality is more nuanced. Our new 50-year analysis reveals two distinct patterns of neighborhood change. St. Louis's Lafayette Square demonstrates how communities can improve while maintaining cultural continuity. Though the area gentrified, Black population decline was modest compared to other areas. DC's U Street/Shaw corridor shows intensive redevelopment's costs. This historically Black cultural hub lost over half its Black residents between 2000-2020, while White population tripled. The key difference is community agency in the change process. Our research shows 4,070 census tracts nationwide show gentrification indicators. Policy implications include ensuring affordable housing requirements, genuine community input in planning, and designing development that builds on rather than replaces existing cultural assets. https://lnkd.in/eYxf6kun #justeconomy

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”What are we doing if we are not serving the people?” Orlando Bailey asks at Knight Foundation #KMF2026, explaining Outlier Media’s mission of providing people with information they can act on to improve their lives, and commitment to continue to systematically map the information needs of Detroiters to guide their work – what some detractors dismiss as “not journalism”, and call “activism” or “social work” to my mind remains one of the most interesting and inspirational examples of thinking about the purpose of news from first principles and from the point of view of the public, rather than inherited assumptions and what journalists are used to doing.

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Local actors have a lot to juggle and the options for equitable development programming can be overwhelming. So how can community leaders determine which strategies and programming to pursue? A toolkit we published this spring alongside Greater Ohio Policy Center offers a roadmap for identifying suitable equitable development programming that is driven by an evaluation of a community’s unique assets. By Casey Terry, AICP and Erica Spaid Patras: https://lnkd.in/eUkYuAbT

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“People are at the heart of this work,” shared one of our Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) fellows after a summer supporting community resilience work across Indiana. The Institute equips emerging leaders with the tools, training, and real-world experience to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather. Learn more about ERI and how the program is empowering local leaders: https://lnkd.in/gxeVYsrk

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💥 New: Grant Writer’s Toolkit from NAWB & Lightcast 💥 NAWB is proud to partner with Lightcast to share a new resource designed to help workforce development professionals put data to work when pursuing grant funding. The Grant Writer’s Toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for using labor market data and visualizations within Lightcast’s Developer tool so you can: 💡 Highlight workforce demands in your region 💡 Demonstrate how your organization is driving impact in the community 💡 Pursue the funds that keep your workforce initiatives thriving This partnership reflects NAWB’s commitment to equipping boards with practical tools that strengthen funding opportunities and amplify workforce impact. https://lnkd.in/eeAXvFR7 #NewResource #GrantWriting #Impact #Workforce #WorkforceMatters #Data #Results #NAWB

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AAG’s JEDI Committee has compiled resources to defend academic & scientific inquiry. This resource guide aims to gather a usable set of materials to inform action across a range of issues and groups. From statements and research to organizing networks and resources, learn more about protecting geographic inquiry and our communities. https://buff.ly/tNVdXkp

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Download the new QM white paper Building Quality from the Ground Up: A Systemic Approach to Online Degree Programs by Amy Grincewicz, Ph.D. of Kent State University! https://ow.ly/LSJj50WZA6K The paper is the first in a series highlighting how a holistic approach to online program design enhances institutional legitimacy and competitiveness and fosters belonging, persistence and professional readiness for diverse learners. Download the paper now to learn about best practices for designing a degree program that has sustainable quality at its foundation. PLUS: Join the author for a webinar tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. ET to learn more and get your burning questions about quality online programs answered: https://ow.ly/zV7h50WZzwZ

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Drawing on data from over 1,000 organizations, PEAK Grantmaking's 2023 Grants Professionals Salary Report provides valuable insights into compensation trends, benefits, and workplace practices in the grantmaking community. By leveraging this data, you can make informed decisions about your career, advocate for your professional growth, and contribute to a more equitable future for the sector. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gZPDrDCB

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