Inclusive, Vibrant Neighborhoods and Communities - Actions to Address Spatial Inequality

Urban regeneration is one tool to reduce spatial inequalities by improving quality of life in targeted areas of the city, while also incubating economic, social and environmental benefits for the wider city. Urban regeneration, refers to a combination of physical and socioeconomic measures that can help to restore, integrate, redevelop and revive parts of the city and connect their transformation to the overall city. Done wrong, it can lead to gentrification and a deepening of socio-spatial inequalities, as well as destruction of valuable cultural heritage in the name of modernization. Done right, urban regeneration can transform socially, economically and ecologically dilapidated urban areas into dynamic, diverse and vibrant neighborhoods that value and cultivate their natural and built heritage.

The City and County of Honolulu has been working toward urban regeneration over the last years and this event will highlight several successful projects including SALT at Our Kaka’ako, an urban regeneration project benefiting Kamehameha Schools, Transit Oriented Development around the new light rail stations and several successful affordable housing developments completed and underway.

After the first day's online session we will have a discussion of housing as a commodity based on the documentary PUSH. The documentary will be available ahead of time for online viewing. The second day will also include an economic outlook from a leading economist and a panel discussion on solutions for a brighter future including the role of proptech in creating smart cities and inclusive economic growth and opportunity.