Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Chocolate city has made a complete 360.

According to a study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, DC has the most intense gentrification in the country. With the development of new condominiums and restaurants, native residents are being pushed out of their communities.

Gentrification is the direct effect of the shift in demographic culture due to the rise in neighborhood economic values. Therefore, the hike in home prices, education levels and neighborhood incomes greatly increase.

According to the study, the District of Columbia has seen a great number of black displacement.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed a few initiatives to ensure that District residents can stay in the area. The $20 million workforce housing fund which makes sure teachers, social workers, first responders and low- to middle income workers housing stability. Also, Bowser’s Housing Production Trust fund helps preserve affordable housing, from $100 million to $130 million.

Although the city is taking some initiative, many residents believe more can be done. What are your thoughts on gentrification as a whole?