What unintended consequence can result from urban renewal efforts?

Urban renewal efforts often aim to revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, and attract new businesses, which can lead to various social and economic changes. One significant unintended consequence of these efforts is gentrification, which occurs when new investments and renovations make an area more attractive to wealthier individuals, leading to increases in property values and living costs.

As property values rise, original residents—often low-income families—may find themselves unable to afford the increased rent and taxes that come with the newly developed area. This displacement is a direct result of the gentrification process, where the demographic of residents shifts, often pushing long-standing community members out of their homes and neighborhoods. Consequently, while urban renewal can lead to positive changes in some aspects, it can also have the negative impact of displacing the very residents it was intended to help, highlighting the complex nature of urban development initiatives.