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Bargaining Power in City Development: A Case for Greater Community Representation and Advocacy

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Bargaining Power in City Development: A Case for Greater Community Representation and Advocacy

Griggs, Kendra (2022) Bargaining Power in City Development: A Case for Greater Community Representation and Advocacy. [Graduate Projects (Non-thesis)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

In this paper, I evaluate stakeholders involved in city planning and development such as private investors, businesses, city planners, real estate agents, and other community members. Each stakeholder exhibits a different level of bargaining power in the decision-making process. My analysis examines the consequences of this power imbalance and presents a normative claim such that city planners should promote adequate bargaining power in the decision-making process for affected community members to (1) improve understanding of relevant issues and subjective experiences and (2) empower vulnerable groups. By doing so, city planners will be in a better position to promote ethical decision-making in accordance with substantive principles of respect, self-determination, and no-harm. City planners provide an important role in community development by authorizing projects and zoning to ensure that residential, commercial, industrial, and natural areas are used efficiently. However, past and present cases of injustices in city planning and development show that city projects often cause harm to community members through pollution, economic consequences, and displacement. Groups of community members may experience high costs of organization, limited economic capital, or trends of marginalization. These factors contribute to power imbalances among stakeholders in the decision-making process for new city developments. I examine the interpersonal and ethical relationships among community members to explain a source of value in city spaces. I conclude that limited understanding of potential harms and power imbalances among stakeholders often lead to injustices and negative externalities for community members. I defend the position that by improving bargaining power for community members, especially marginalized groups, city planners can limit future cases of development-related injustices by creating an environment better suited to reach substantive ethical goals.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Philosophy
Item Type:Graduate Projects (Non-thesis)
Authors:Griggs, Kendra
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Philosophy
Date:28 April 2022
Funders:
  • CERC in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities
  • Carol Lee Price MA Scholarship in Human Rights and Social Justice
ID Code:990581
Deposited By: Kendra Griggs
Deposited On:12 May 2022 17:11
Last Modified:12 May 2022 17:11
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