Overall Research Project Description As sea level rise increases the frequency of coastal flooding, individuals may seek residence in areas of a city that are less flood prone. Increases in the frequency of coastal flooding has already increased the land values of areas that are at higher elevation and are less prone to flooding. As land values and development pressures increase, current residents may feel pressure to leave the neighborhood, and in the process losing their community and home. These pressures can be felt more strongly by lower income individuals in a process of neighborhood change known as climate gentrification.

Through previous studies the low-income and high elevation neighborhood of South St. Petersburg as been identified as being vulnerable to potential gentrification pressures. This study seeks to understand how the neighborhood of South St. Petersburg is preparing for this incoming pressure with the goal of increasing neighborhood stabilization and resiliency.

Research Question: To what extent is concern about climate change related gentrification impacts a motivator for planning activity in a low-income climate receiving community?

Methodology: This study is mixture of grounded theory. case study and exploratory. Through interviews with local officials, city planners, and community leaders this study seeks to understand how the threat of climate gentrification is motivating urban planning activity and how local leaders are responding to this threat. The interview sampling procedure will start with several key actors to understand the context of how climate change is integrated into planning, policies, initiatives, programs, and projects in the neighborhood, particularly in relation to maintaining affordable housing.