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The city of Inglewood, California represents much more to me than just a location on a map. It’s the
city where I grew up, a place filled with rich cultural heritage, deep family roots, and historical
significance.
But lately, the sense of home in Inglewood has started to fade. Property taxes continue to rise while
new developments expand rapidly, forcing long-term residents to leave their homes without public
notice. This isn’t progress. This is displacement, and it’s time we call it what it is: gentrification that
favors profit over people.
Over the past decade, Inglewood has undergone a significant transformation. The arrival of SoFi
Stadium, Intuit Dome, and luxury housing projects has brought national attention and big money to
the area. But behind the headlines and construction cranes are the residents whose lives are being
disrupted. These are not just renters facing higher costs. Many Black and Latino senior homeowners
who settled here in the 1960s and 70s now struggle to maintain their properties due to escalating
property taxes and maintenance expenses brought on by neighborhood upgrades.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeownership among Inglewood residents is just 35.1%. The
impact of housing instability extends far beyond homelessness; it means the loss of generational
wealth, family memories, and community connections. The consequences are even worse for seniors
on fixed incomes and people with disabilities who rely on Social Security or SSI. The cost of living
continues to rise, but their income remains unchanged.
We need local and state leaders to step up and implement real protections for homeowners at risk of
being taxed out of their neighborhoods. One idea is a property tax freeze or cap for low-income
seniors and long-term homeowners, similar to protections offered in other states. Another is
expanding access to legal and financial aid services that help families understand their rights and
manage property-related expenses.
We also need to rethink what “development” means. Yes, investment is needed, but not at the cost of
displacing the very people who made Inglewood what it is. Future development plans must include
community benefit agreements that guarantee affordable housing and limit tax hikes for nearby
residents.
Social workers play a powerful role in this context. As frontline advocates, social workers help at-risk
families through case management, service coordination, and by giving them a voice in policy
discussions. These professionals understand how housing instability affects mental health, child
development, and overall community stability.
We must protect Inglewood’s historic richness and cultural diversity from being wiped out by profit-
driven policy. Our people and our homes deserve protection. Inglewood residents, let’s raise our
voices. Reach out to our city council members and ask, “What are you doing to protect homeowners
like our grandparents, our neighbors, our community?” We will not be priced out of our homes
because homes shouldn’t be a luxury. Not here. Not in Inglewood.
