Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should and if We Do

Abstract

One powerful expression of the neoliberal orthodoxy within economic development practice in the United States has been local governments' use of economic-development-driven eminent domain. However, the presumed benefits but not the actual harm of the eminent domain actions typically eludes the working-class and low-income segments of the community that often shoulder the greatest consequences of the action. Municipal governments must be much more exacting, deliberative, and strategic in ensuring there is an obvious and direct connection between the potential economic development opportunities leveraged by eminent domain practices and the benefits, opportunities, and resources that the community derives from those transactions of local government. Thoughtfully and strategically designed and executed Community Benefit Agreements have tremendous potential to afford working-class and low-income residents, as well other city residents, a chance for more equitable and democratic results than they frequently experience under existing economic-development-driven eminent domain practice.

Vulnerable spaces, unequal responses: lessons for transformative climate resilience in Lagos

“…For example, the vulnerability of renters displaced through eminent domain practices illuminate issues with engagement and should be addressed. Engagement with community groups should be prioritized (see : Harris, 2015), involving not just property owners but also renters. When land is acquired for development projects, leading to the displacement of people, it should be ensured that the purpose of the projects should benefit those who will be affected (Harris, 2015).…”

“…Engagement with community groups should be prioritized (see : Harris, 2015), involving not just property owners but also renters. When land is acquired for development projects, leading to the displacement of people, it should be ensured that the purpose of the projects should benefit those who will be affected (Harris, 2015). Systems of accountability must be put in place to check incidences of bribery that encourage the construction of buildings in vulnerable locations.…”

Public participation in city building : case of the Arkhangelsk region

“…Community trust and support turn out to be the central problem factors here (Yigitcanlar 2015). Researchers agree that community-based type of smart activities seeking bottom-up, sociotechnological inclusive approach that produces non-planned forms of citizen empowerment in urban governance is the form of a smart city governance that would mitigate all the problems associated with technocratic solutions and lack of sustainability and equity (Harris 2015;Alizadeh 2018;Mondschein 2019;Hui 2021). Engaged community planning values local context and takes control over investments, urban design, and administrative culture.…”

Leadership, Ethics, Human Resources, and the External Environment: A Case Study on Resort Turnaround, New Management, and Land Disputes

“…Examples of eminent domain are extremely useful and outside articles or videos can help present the concept, as well. Two current sources are Because We Can Doesn'tMean We Should(Harris, 2015) and an informative video Donald Trump: Eminent Domain is a "Wonderful Thing" (FoxNews, 2015).…”