Theses Master's

Studying Gentrification Around Sports Stadiums Neighborhood Through Machine Learning Technique

Harada, Soichiro

This study delves into the intricate relationship between sports stadium developments and the phenomenon of gentrification in surrounding neighborhoods, with a focused investigation on the area around sports stadiums in Los Angeles. Anticipated findings aim to shed light on the socio-economic transformations spurred by recent new development such as SoFi Stadium and BMO stadiums, potentially serving as a pivotal reference for urban planning and policy-making, especially in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The investigation seeks to navigate beyond conventional analysis to uncover the nuanced dynamics of neighborhood change, providing a comprehensive understanding of the gentrification process in the context of sports stadium-led urban development.

Through this exploration, the research addresses critical questions regarding the economic growth versus gentrification debate and examines the extent to which proximity to sports stadiums acts as a catalyst for neighborhood transformation. This inquiry not only contributes to the academic discourse on urban gentrification but also informs practical approaches to managing the socio-economic impacts of large-scale urban projects.

Findings indicate a modest correlation between stadiums and increases in the white population and college-educated population, as well as household rents. A more pronounced relationship was observed in the correlation between stadium proximity and median household income, in particular, indicating that stadiums contribute significantly to the local economy. In addition, by employing a machine learning-based clustering approach, this research explored the multifaceted impact of stadiums and gentrification based on more complex socio economic indicators, which have been missing from previous studies. Based on a discussion of these results, this research concludes this study with recommendations and suggestions for future policy.

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Urban Planning
Thesis Advisors
Vanky, Anthony P.
Degree
M.S., Columbia University
Published Here
June 12, 2024