Geography ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-28-2026

Abstract

Historical redlining practices initiated by Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s have produced enduring persistent socioeconomic and environmental disparities in U.S. cities. This dissertation examines their long-term impacts on social vulnerability, urban flood risk, along with public discourse about redlining practices. Results indicate that neighborhoods with HOLC grade A (greenlined) exhibit the lowest overall social vulnerability, while those graded D (redlined) face the highest across U.S. cities. In Chicago, associations between redlining practices and flood risk disparities are stronger than in Los Angeles, reflecting place-specific characteristics among environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors shaping flood risk disparities in long term. In addition, analysis of social media data further reveals spatial variation and scales of association between public discourse about redlining practices and different sociodemographic, economic, and housing characteristics across U.S. counties. These findings underscore the need for targeted urban planning and risk mitigation strategies informed by historical neighborhood conditions.

Degree Name

Geography

Department Name

Geography

Level of Degree

Doctoral

First Committee Member (Chair)

Natasha Howard

Second Committee Member

Xi Gong

Third Committee Member

Christopher P Brown

Fourth Committee Member

Yan Lin

Fifth Committee Member

Yolanda C Lin

Document Type

Dissertation

Project Sponsors

N/A

Language

English

Keywords

redlining practices, Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), social vulnerability, flood risk disparities, public discourse, GIS.

Comments

N/A

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