The historic discriminatory practice of redlining caused certain urban neighborhoods to remain communities who residents are primarily lower income residents of color, with fewer resources, more heat-retaining buildings and pavement, and relatively less greenspace

Redlining started in the 1930s, by the Homeowners’ Loan Corporation (“HOLC”), which ranked neighborhoods based on the race and income of residents.

Neighborhoods that were primarily minority and/or low income were ranked as “hazardous” and shaded in red on maps. This is called redlining. Redlined neighborhoods were not eligible for mortgages or other loans.

Today, inequities continue in redlined neighborhoods. In Miami, Florida, for example, redlined neighborhoods have less tree canopy coverage, more impervious surface areas, and higher temperatures that surrounding non-redlined neighborhoods. These features place redlined neighborhoods at greater risk of Urban Heat Island Effect, extreme heat, and increased heat-related illness exposure.