East Palo Alto Tour
Glimpse Into a Changing Community
Jennifer Zimmerman
Issue date: 10/29/01 Section: News
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On October 17, 17 of us traveled through East Palo Alto and learned from residents, Start Up entrepreneurs, and city officials about the dynamic forces changing the landscape of the city and affecting the lives of East Palo Alto residents. As Jake Moskowitz, MBA2 said, "The tour was unique in that it allowed insight into the perspectives of both long-time community members and city government officials. The two sides are driven by different motives and have different ideas of what to do with empty land and how best to develop the city economically."
To provide perspective, here's a quick snapshot of East Palo Alto (EPA) as of 2000 according to the San Mateo County Almanac. EPA has an area of about 2.5 square miles and just above 25, 000 residents. The demographics of the population are 12% white, 42% black, 9% Asian, 36% Hispanic, and about 1% other. The median price of a home is $359,500. According to area non-profits, the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,450 per month. Despite the high housing costs, median family income in East Palo Alto in 1990 was less than 50% of the county-wide average income.
The city was incorporated in 1983 and has struggled to improve its tax base in order to make the many investments in streets, sewers, parks, schools, etc. that the city needs. The Ravenswood 101 shopping center with the new Home Depot, Expo Design Center, Office Depot, etc. was a result of the city trying to vigorously develop its economic base. The city's next initiative of brining in an Ikea is currently being vigorously debated in the community, and "Stop Ikea" flyers are posted in many locations around town.
So, what did we learn were some of the major forces influencing East Palo Alto right now?
Demographics: Historically, East Palo Alto was mostly African American. Over the last several years, the Hispanic population has increased significantly and a sizeable Pacific Islander community has developed. While residents and entrepreneurs highlighted how the city benefited from a more diverse population through cultural exchange, they also admitted that it caused friction as one group or another seemed to get favorable treatment or increased political clout.
To provide perspective, here's a quick snapshot of East Palo Alto (EPA) as of 2000 according to the San Mateo County Almanac. EPA has an area of about 2.5 square miles and just above 25, 000 residents. The demographics of the population are 12% white, 42% black, 9% Asian, 36% Hispanic, and about 1% other. The median price of a home is $359,500. According to area non-profits, the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,450 per month. Despite the high housing costs, median family income in East Palo Alto in 1990 was less than 50% of the county-wide average income.
The city was incorporated in 1983 and has struggled to improve its tax base in order to make the many investments in streets, sewers, parks, schools, etc. that the city needs. The Ravenswood 101 shopping center with the new Home Depot, Expo Design Center, Office Depot, etc. was a result of the city trying to vigorously develop its economic base. The city's next initiative of brining in an Ikea is currently being vigorously debated in the community, and "Stop Ikea" flyers are posted in many locations around town.
So, what did we learn were some of the major forces influencing East Palo Alto right now?
Demographics: Historically, East Palo Alto was mostly African American. Over the last several years, the Hispanic population has increased significantly and a sizeable Pacific Islander community has developed. While residents and entrepreneurs highlighted how the city benefited from a more diverse population through cultural exchange, they also admitted that it caused friction as one group or another seemed to get favorable treatment or increased political clout.