Whose Turf, whose Town? Race, Status, and Attitudes of Washington DC Residents toward Gentrification

Once coined Chocolate City by residents of the majority black capital city, Washington, DC, has more recently been referred to as Chocolate Swirl. Since the early 2000s, Washington has experienced marked shifts in its racial and socioeconomic composition. Census data indicates that from 2000 to 2012, the district's black population decreased from 60% to 50% while the white population increased from 30 to 48%. Homes that then sold for $200,000 are now selling for over $800,000. While arguments of the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification are prevalent, this research explores a frequently overlooked perspective. Using 2014 Washington Post Poll data, we explore the perspectives of current DC residents and examine the impact of race and class on attitudes toward the costs and benefits of gentrification. Results indicate that, while race is a significant indicator, class position is a more salient determinant of resident attitudes toward gentrification in Washington, DC.