Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Geography
First Advisor
Vivek Shandas
Term of Graduation
Spring 2025
Date of Publication
6-10-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography
Department
Geography
Language
English
Subjects
green space management, historical planning processes, land uses, segregation, sociodemographic
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 96 pages)
Abstract
The Portland study examined past planning regulations and greenspace distribution over the period of fifty years, with particular attention given to neighborhood differences between invested and non-invested neighborhoods. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach through the synthesis of qualitative themes from oral narratives and archival records. Furthermore, I examined spatial greenspace using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery. I tested the study hypothesis using the GIS Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression test to predict how key sociodemographic characteristics affect the provision of greenspace in non-white disinvested neighborhoods. The key findings indicated a consistent trend of inequity in greenspace, heavily shaped by historical discriminatory land-use practices, including redlining. Areas with higher non-white populations tend to have significantly less greenspace (p < 0.001). Although median household income had a minimal negative impact, educational attainment showed a slight positive correlation. I employed multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks such as historical institutionalism, urban political ecology, and environmental justice. The study illustrated how historical decisions have established path dependencies that are currently perpetuating inequalities. The OLS regression test reinforces the long-term effects of past discrimination on current greenspace inequality. Policy solutions advocate for integrating restorative justice principles and rigid enforcement of greenspace equity legislation to offset these long-term disparities.
Rights
© 2025 Quadri Olatunbosun Taiwo
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43868
Recommended Citation
Taiwo, Quadri Olatunbosun, "A Fifty-Year Assessment of Historical Planning Processes and Green Space Distribution (1975-2025): A Case Study of Portland, OR, USA" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6845.