Title: Redlining in the Twin Cities in 1934: 1960's and Today
Headings: Redlining in the Twin Cities in 1934: 1960's and Today
Redlining in the Twin Cities in 1934: 1960's and Today
HOLC Map
Historical Compilation, Data and Map Analysis from:

Content: As shown on this HOLC map, 'Hazardous' red areas were often comprised of people of color, immigrant groups and Jews, and in those places the government dissuaded the underwriting of loans. Yellow areas were also less favorable, deemed 'Declining', while blue 'Desirable' and especially green 'Best' areas became mostly likely to have loans underwritten. HOLC maps were made in most medium and large cities across the United States, and in 1934, like in other cities, this map was commissioned by local public and private officials.1
The drawing of red lines around areas that were racially segregated (now known as “redlining”) became codified in practice and supported by law, and along with racial covenants and other forms of discrimination, are major factors in shaping current levels of racial segregation and wealth gaps. Though fair housing laws passed in the 1960's eliminated many of the public policies that attempted to separate and discriminate against people on the basis of their race, the patterns from that era persist in our cities today. Moreover, other practices still help reinforce racial and economic segregation. This series of maps provides a window into the racial and demographic makeup of the Twin Cities in 1940, 1970, and today. It shows how the racial patterns identified and solidified by the HOLC maps persist through to the present, and how the redlining of the 1930s reflects current inequality in the Twin Cities in terms of transportation, affordable housing and mortgage lending. The series also include information and stories about specific historic places, incidents and local activists that have shaped and championed civil rights and fair housing, both in the state and nationally. Finally, it includes links to news stories and reports that give greater context to civil rights issues.2
Notes: 1) Redlining maps created by the HOLC were a precursor to other color coded maps made by the Federal Housing Agency and the Veterans Administration, and adopted by private finance and insurance institutions as a means to separate borrowers and disinvest in neighborhoods by race.