Gentrification. That’s one of the those words which conjures up immediate images, but may not have a universal meeting. It was the headline of a candidate forum held at the El Rio Community Center yesterday and featured the Ward 1 and Mayoral Candidates from the democratic party. No republicans are running and the independent candidate for mayor, Ed Ackerly, does not have a primary challenger so the hosts chose to limit participation to those facing an august 27th primary competition. The forum was convened by several of the neighborhood associations in Ward 1 and had help from the Historic Fourth Ave Coalition– which we had on the show a few months back celebrating a successful Community Benefits Agreement.

Candidates were asked a range of questions on housing, sanctuary city support, plans for the El Rio Golf Course and public safety issues. The main topic was “Gentrification and the Housing Crisis”. The community turn out seemed large to me, showing a keen interest in the conversation.

It was Moderated by Nancy Montoya from AZ Public Media. And here she is welcoming the audience and explaining the rules and defining gentrification.