Spatial Analysis of College Town area in Tallahassee, Florida

Keywords: GIS, Urban Geography
Session Type: Virtual Poster
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 4/9/2021 09:35 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/9/2021 10:50 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 52

Abstract

Effective urban revitalization plans contribute to economic growth seen as an increase in property values and encourage place-making within communities. Tallahassee, Florida is a college community with a history of racial and income segregation that is visible by looking at the land-use patterns of the city. The Gaines Street Corridor Revitalization Plan initiated by the City Commission in 2001 aims to promote development and interactions between student populations at two major universities: Florida State University (FSU) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). This research analyzes the impact of the revitalization plan on property values and any resulting demographic changes. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study compares changes in the Gaines Street Corridor to changes in the surrounding county by aggregating parcel-level panel data from 2006 to 2019 from the property appraiser and examining other demographic variables. The 900-parcel section of the Gaines Street Corridor experienced significant change over the course of the revitalization project. The property and racial demographic changes were more rapid near one university due, in part, to the close proximity of the project. In terms of policy implications, this research suggests that the county should dedicate more resources to promote access for the student population residing at a greater distance to the project and boundary line.