Crime Displacement and HUD''s HOPE VI Initiative

The purpose of this project is to conduct an evaluation of the impact on crime of the
closing, renovation, and subsequent reopening of public housing developments under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HOPE VI Initiative. This will be accomplished through examination of crime in and around three HOPE VI redevelopment sites in Milwaukee, WI and Washington, D.C. No prior studies have specifically considered the effects on crime of redevelopment of public housing under the HOPE VI initiative. The analysis will consist of two central components: (1) a qualitative assessment of changes in the physical environment, resident demographics, and the spatial patterns of crime and (2) statistical tests for spatial displacement using three methods: time series analysis, the Bowers and Johnson (2003) Weighted Displacement Quotient, and Ratcliffe's (2005) point pattern analysis.

Knowledge about redevelopment experiences in two locations will add to the literature an understanding of displacement of crime from public housing redesign and redevelopment under HOPE VI. The study will also contribute to local agencies'(including local police departments and housing authorities), understanding of crime in Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. Findings from this type of research can inform future
public housing redevelopments under HUD's HOPE VI initiative, thereby helping to
improve public safety in redeveloped public housing areas both before, during and after
redevelopment.

ca/ncf