Key Points

Persistently poor communities require attention over and above what is done to help poor households living there.

The problems that plague these communities, such as joblessness, lack of services and crumbling infrastructure, go largely ignored because the solutions are difficult and complex and require a substantial commitment of time and resources.

Ignoring the problems that exist in poor communities contributes to their social and economic marginalization and lowers the chances of the families living there to succeed.

Investments in the following would help to turn around poor communities:

• Transit-oriented development. Public transit connects people in disadvantaged communities to job opportunities; lowers the burden of transportation costs; reduces greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change; and increases the potential of economic development in communities where development is depressed.
• Community food security. Poor communities tend to lack access to fresh foods at affordable prices. Access to healthy foods is a key determinant of the overall health of the people that live in a community.
• Community colleges. Development of poor communities depends on the skills and knowledge of the people that live there. Community colleges provide a menu of options to increase human capital through postsecondary education.