Can restoring vacant lots help reduce crime? An examination of a program in Baltimore, MD

Anton Kvit; Anne E. Corrigan; Dexter H. Locke; Frank C. Curriero; Kristin Mmari

doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127630

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Can restoring vacant lots help reduce crime? An examination of a program in Baltimore, MD

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Anton Kvit, Anne E. Corrigan, Dexter H. Locke, Frank C. Curriero, Kristin Mmari

Year:

2022

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127630

Source:

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Download (PDF 6.01 MB)

Download (PDF 6.01 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/65801.pdf

Abstract

Urban green spaces have previously been linked to reduction in crime and improvements in neighborhood environments. This study considered if the Care-A-Lot (CAL) program in Baltimore City, which incentivizes local community groups to maintain and green vacant lots, reduces violent and property crime. Compared to a 2016–2017 baseline, city block groups with CAL programs saw a significantly larger decrease in crime compared to matched block groups with no CAL programs both in 2018 and 2019. These results were found to be robust through a series of sensitivity analyses and add to the literature stressing the positive social impact of green spaces.

Keywords

Greening, Crime, Care-A-Lot, Baltimore

Citation

Kvit, Anton; Corrigan, Anne E.; Locke, Dexter H.; Curriero, Frank C.; Mmari, Kristin. 2022. Can restoring vacant lots help reduce crime? An examination of a program in Baltimore, MD. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 74: 127630. 8 p. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127630.