Building Better Cities

Neighborhood Trusts and how they prevent community displacement with David Kemper

Neighborhoods in the path of growth often attract investment, bringing new jobs and amenities—but they also create conditions ripe for gentrification and displacement. In this episode of Building Better Cities, host Kate Gasparro sits down with David Kemper, co-founder of Trust Neighborhoods, to explore solutions that put power back in the hands of residents.

Over the past five years, David and his team have pioneered Mixed-Income Neighborhood Trusts (MINTs) to counteract gentrification and ensure community stability. Drawing on his extensive background in affordable housing and urban development—including key roles under New York City Mayors Bloomberg and de Blasio, as well as at Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs—David shares insights on how trusting and investing in residents can build resilient, inclusive neighborhoods.

Resources:
How a Kansas City neighborhood is protecting renters while investing in itself
New East Bost affordable housing effort would be the first of its kind on East Coast

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