How much has changed since the 1992 riots caused more than $1 billion worth of damage to Los Angeles? Not much according to a new study released by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
The study took a look at economic conditions before and after 1992 LA Riots and compared those indicators to what we know today. Researchers discovered that disadvantages persists and in some areas, things have actually gotten worse.
Data about the demographics and economics of a 50-square-mile area deemed as the "Rebuild LA" region following the riots were examined following the results of the study.
Researchers found that with the notable exception of South Los Angeles, unemployment, poverty and homeless rates have all risen in those areas that were already struggling with those economic indicators.
Paul Ong, the director of the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge who led the research team says, "By and large, these areas have not gotten better; in some instances, they have actually gotten worse.”
Authorities peg the cost of the 1992 riots to be more than $1 billion in damage in and around South Los Angeles during the riots that gained worldwide infamy.
However, all hope is not lost for those areas. The Luskin School listed some recommendations that could help turn things around:
- A renewed commitment to revitalizing the affected areas is critical to reshaping their future economic trajectories.
- Renewed stakeholder efforts to address development challenges are integral.
- People and place strategies should be inclusive, driven by local residents, leaders, businesses and organizations.