Connecticut is racially, ethnically, and economically segregated. This segregation hurts us all because it keeps people of color, who on average earn about half of whites, from equal access to critical resources like good schools. We also know that the effect of unequal access to those resources that lead to success in life is generational – if parents do not have access to opportunity, it increases the likelihood that their children will be “stuck in place,” as recent research by sociologist Patrick Sharkey of New York University demonstrates. It is good to know we now have a strong advocate for improving access to affordable housing in areas where it is needed.
We are seeing positive movement in Connecticut with more resources being put into schools and housing. But we need to pay more attention to the growing body of research telling us that while targeting investments in areas that are struggling is critical and must continue, we will get the best return on investment if we simultaneously improve access to opportunity by providing affordable housing in areas that are thriving.
