MOBILITY UNBOUND
Imagine a society where everyone is free to move safely and with self-determination; where everyone flourishes socially, culturally and economically, unrestricted by structural barriers within transportation systems.
Achieving this vision of mobility unbound requires a collaborative approach that is grounded in principles of mobility justice. This framework begins with an understanding of the ways that transportation infrastructure and practices have historically excluded or harmed groups of people, particularly communities of color, in order to heal the harms of the past and build transportation systems that work for all.
Building systems that work for everyone requires that we acknowledge the unjust histories of mobility and economic prosperity in American cities.
A mobility justice approach to transportation planning includes facilitating dialogue, funding the participation of people and community organizations who are directly affected, and establishing partnerships that lead to the shared decision-making that is necessary for meaningful repair.
By taking a mobility justice approach, government agencies and elected officials can advance transportation policies, programs, and projects that bring community-driven visions to life.
South Saginaw and East Side After Crisis
The Community Connectors program in Flint, MI seeks to improve conditions in the South Saginaw and East Side neighborhoods by facilitating the development of community-led neighborhood plans.
The
Flint is an urban community with a rich industrial history and a diverse population. The city is predominantly Black, with 56.3% of residents identifying as Black [1]. The Community Connectors project is focused on neighborhoods throughout Flint’s I-475 Corridor, but the work has been inspired by the efforts of two distinct neighborhoods – the South Saginaw neighborhood and the historic East Side.
The South Saginaw Neighborhood is home to approximately 8,000 residents, predominantly Black and Latinx [2]. Median household income is below the state average, with a significant percentage of households living below the poverty line. The community is urban, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The neighborhood features small, aging homes, closed businesses, and abandoned properties. It also includes beautiful water areas, Thread Lake and Thread Creek, which are underutilized due to limited access. The International Academy of Flint, a well-regarded school serving diverse students from across the city, is a vital educational center. However, the dangerous infrastructure, particularly the expressway, poses barriers to safe access for many students and residents.
The East Side neighborhood is a historically vibrant and culturally rich urban community that is home to approximately 6,500 residents [3]. Residents are predominantly Latinx, with a history of immigrants working in the nearby General Motors factory. Income levels are below the state average, with disparities exacerbated by the construction of the divisive infrastructure. The East Side once featured a bustling business district with a wide range of Latin-American shops, restaurants, and community centers. However, many buildings were demolished or abandoned following the construction of the expressway. Lewis Street, the main street in the neighborhood, used to be a hub of cultural activity and economic vitality. Reconnecting this area will help revive the community's cultural identity and promote economic opportunities.
The
In 1973, Interstate 475 bisected many communities in Flint and in doing so, prioritized efficient movement of cars and freight over community connections. The divisive infrastructure led to disinvestment, demolition of properties, and a decline in quality of life for residents.
The
The Community Connectors project seeks to repair and reconnect the South Saginaw and East Side neighborhoods and create thriving, connected, and prosperous communities that foster a sense of belonging and well-being for all residents. To do so, the team is conducting public engagement and data collection, and building capacity to refine the broad community vision for improved connectivity, equitable reinvestment, and the reintroduction of public spaces to foster interaction and cultural identity.
The project brings together organizations and leaders from both neighborhoods, along with residents and government, to rebuild trust and work toward community-defined neighborhood plans. The project aims to update two neighborhood plans by taking a holistic approach to community engagement that centers healing, parks, accessible safe streets, housing, community wealth building, and increasing resident power.
The
LEAD — Crim Fitness Foundation
Central Park Neighborhood Association
Each City Snapshot offers local historical context related to mobility justice. The MOBILITY LEGACIES are organized according to five themes.
These MOBILITY LEGACIES do not provide exhaustive histories of the cities. Rather, they point to harmful policies and decisions and, subsequently, opportunities for repair and reconnection.
