Hyperlocal

More about the book

This examination highlights the significance of (hyper)local governance as a catalyst for real change. While many American downtowns and innovation districts have seen revitalization, issues like concentrated poverty and racial segregation persist across various neighborhoods. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed these inequalities, necessitating a reevaluation of community governance and management to foster inclusive economic growth. Place-based governance structures, such as community land trusts and neighborhood councils, play a dual role in addressing these challenges. However, systematic research on their diversity and evolution is limited. This work aims to bridge that gap by analyzing the complexities and potential of place governance in an increasingly fragmented economic landscape. The chapters delve into the benefits and tensions of governing local areas, emphasizing how these structures can empower stakeholders to collaborate, voice concerns, and advocate for investments. Yet, they also caution that such governance can inadvertently favor certain interests, exacerbating wealth-based disparities. Additionally, the authors present innovative models for effective and inclusive governance, aiming to inspire practitioners, policymakers, and scholars to rethink the importance of place governance and enhance its practice for broader community benefit.