To many local leaders concerned with neighborhood change, “developer” is a bad word. Yet, working with community-oriented developers is one way local leaders can thoughtfully navigate the growth of historically disadvantaged neighborhoods and encourage thoughtful investment and equitable development.
For communities seeking to be more age-friendly, the Coronavirus pandemic is a grim reminder that older adults are not a monolithic group. They differ in life experiences, cultural backgrounds, health histories, economic circumstances, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Because of this, older adults are affected differently by the virus and will inequitably feel its repercussions.
Philosophical pragmatism offers local policy-makers valuable insights when addressing complex problems such as poverty, economic development and healthcare and homelessness, especially when it comes to “wicked problems” with no single source or solution.
Seattle is an exceptional example of a city working to manage its growth with an equitable framework so that economic vitality can be enjoyed by all its residents. Adopting a strategy of civic engagement, the city has been able to encourage growth in economically struggling neighborhoods that includes the input and guidance of residents in every stage of the process.
Gentrification is a hot political topic that is deeply emotional and personal to many, and when it happens, it happens very quickly. But the causes of gentrification are more complicated than may appear at first glance. Addressing this ever-present challenge will require policy-makers and members of the public to better understand its root causes.
