Thread by @rjmarr

#NavyHill, #6thStreet, #StoneBrewing, #Redskins - why does it seem like the city is always involved in a “big shiny project”? Why the same developers, law firms, wealthy elites? Why always #RVA Voldemort Tom Farrell? Social science has answers - 4 of them.
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1st: LOCAL POLITICS ALWAYS ABOUT LAND USE. Paul Peterson notes cities try to "enhance economic position" - basically need to expand tax base to do more stuff for citizens. Main tool? LAND USE - zoning, development incentives, etc.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book…
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2nd: This means PROPERTY INTERESTS DOMINATE. Landowners want economic development to ensure that their property values go up; city leaders need these owners/developers to grow tax base
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Harvey Molotch calls this #GrowthMachine - default focus of local pol is economic growth through development of buildings and land jstor.org/stable/2777096
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We see power of growth machine when land interests threaten exit (easier in global economy) - corporation can get a sweet development deal from a city by threatening to move their offices or factory to another city or state (cough cough #HQ2)

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But equally powerful: "fixed place" local developers, hospitals, and utility companies like #DominionPower - local networks, political connections, and real estate portfolios that make it hard to move, but enhance their power
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Powerful figures in these interests often taken on role of local booster - out of a sense of noblesse oblige or profit-motive (or both). They have immense influence. Since Tom Farrell wants a coliseum, we all have to consider it
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3rd: WEALTHY INTERESTS OUTLAST POLITICIANS. #LevarStoney is reform mayor during election that rejects #BigShinyProjects - but he fully supports #NavyHill. Why? He'll be long gone before check comes due, but also seems easier to work with #GrowthMachine
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Clarence Stone argues alliance of economic and political elites can form a ruling “regime” that lasts over multiple elections, officials, and administrations. Hard to resist - what if most powerful man in VA says he can solve all your city's problems? kansaspress.ku.edu/subjects/polit…
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4th: LEADERS WANT TO LEAVE A LEGACY. City leaders are humans too. Seeing your name on a plaque helps a city leader know that no matter their faults they have accomplished something in this world
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(Plus politics: as Mike Royko said about Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley: “The fastest way to show people that something is happening is to build things.”)
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Can the #GrowthMachine be defeated? Sure, through institutions. #NavyHillCommission taking its job seriously. @Richmond300 has model process of public input (I just hope city takes results seriously). Plus people can organize, as they have always done.
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But #GrowthMachine will still be in #RVA no matter what happens with #NavyHill. More here: rvapol.com/blog/2019/10/1…
#NavyHill #RVA #RVAPolitics #RVAMayor #RVACouncil
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