Gentrification or Community Stabilization: The Potential Impact of Rebate Programs on Disadvantaged Communities

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Strand 12 (Level 2)

CE: 1 CEU credits

CEU Type(s): BPI, BSI, INTERNACHI, NARI, RESNET

Jackie Dadakis

Managing Director, GCE Services
Green Coast Enterprises
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sydney Shivers

Director of Housing Policy and Programs
Finance New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
AM

Alex Miller

Alexandra Miller Consulting
New Orleans, Louisiana

How will the IRA rebate programs affect disadvantaged communities? The obvious answer is that rebates will help homeowners improve their homes and make the transition to electrification. Some policy-makers, however, have voiced concerns that the improvements driven by the program may drive increases in home values that will lead to gentrification and neighborhood displacement. This panel will share the findings from a recent paper on these issues, which draws primarily on the perspectives of Chicago residents, businesspeople, and advocates from communities of color. The discussion will focus in particular on how the rebate programs can support wealth building and neighborhood stabilization, while mitigating potential adverse impacts like displacement.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, attendees will:

Understand the perspectives of community residents, businesspeople, and advocates regarding the impacts and optimal outcomes of IRA efficiency and electrification rebate programs
Assess the benefits and risks that IRA rebate programs pose for disadvantaged communities
Learn strategies to mitigate adverse impacts of IRA rebate (and other) programs on disadvantaged communities