Geographical Examination of Latino Urbanism (LU) - Oak Cliff as a Case Study

The presence of Latinos in the United States serves as testimony to the importance of understanding how Latinos influence the built environment to reflect their values and traditions. A cultural competent understanding of placemaking in Latino communities can alleviate the risks of spatially alienating the Latino population during redevelopment efforts and policy creation as observed in the past. This study aims to create awareness of what Latino Urbanism is and how elements can be incorporated by cities and planners in their visions and revitalization efforts. Although the Hispanic population is present across the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan this study will use Oak Cliff as a case study. The study will analyze the built environment of Oak Cliff via a series of interviews and observations to understand people’s values. Lack of financial capital and access to resources were prevalent challenges addressed during interviews with Oak Cliff business owners and residents. Simultaneously, business owners and residents shared insightful testimonies of how their identity influenced their decisions, sacrifices, and ability to make ends meet. In conclusion, this study presents a variety of people-based and place-based solutions to help narrow the opportunity gap in Oak Cliff.Master of City and Regional Plannin