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Urban Policy in the Era of Obama: Globalization and Community

Emmett Mitchell

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Urban Policy In The Time Of Obama: Globalization And Community Urban Policy In The Time Of Obama (Globalization And Community 26)

The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a significant turning point in American history. Not only was he the first African American to be elected president, but he also brought with him a new vision for urban policy. In his book, "Urban Policy in the Time of Obama: Globalization and Community," author Michael Leo Owens explores the ways in which Obama's policies have shaped the lives of urban residents.

Urban Policy in the Time of Obama (Globalization and Community Book 26)

by Bruno Vespa

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1484 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	362 pages

Owens argues that Obama's policies have had a mixed impact on cities. On the one hand, Obama has invested heavily in urban infrastructure and economic development. This has led to the creation of jobs and the revitalization of many urban neighborhoods. On the other hand, Obama has also pursued policies that have led to increased gentrification and displacement. This has made it more difficult for many low-income residents to afford to live in the cities where they grew up.

Overall, Owens concludes that Obama's urban policies have been a mixed bag. While some of his policies have had a positive impact on cities, others have had a negative impact. It remains to be seen whether Obama's legacy on urban policy will be ultimately positive or negative.

Obama's Urban Policy Agenda

Obama's urban policy agenda is based on the belief that cities are the engines of economic growth and prosperity. He has invested heavily in urban infrastructure, such as transportation, housing, and education. He has also created new programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in urban areas.

One of Obama's signature urban policy initiatives is the Sustainable Communities Initiative. This initiative is designed to help communities reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. It provides funding for projects that promote walkability, biking, and public transportation.

Obama has also taken steps to address the issue of affordable housing. He has increased funding for the Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income families afford rent. He has also created new programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

In addition to his focus on infrastructure and economic development, Obama has also made criminal justice reform a priority. He has signed into law a number of measures designed to reduce mass incarceration and improve the treatment of prisoners.

The Impact of Obama's Urban Policies

Obama's urban policies have had a mixed impact on cities. On the one hand, his investments in infrastructure and economic development have led to the creation of jobs and the revitalization of many urban neighborhoods. On the other hand, his policies have also led to increased gentrification and displacement.

One of the most visible impacts of Obama's urban policies has been the revitalization of downtowns and other urban cores. This has been due in part to Obama's investments in infrastructure, such as transportation and housing. It has also been due to his policies that have encouraged businesses to locate in urban areas.

The revitalization of urban cores has had a number of positive impacts. It has led to the creation of jobs, the increase in tax revenue, and the improvement of the quality of life for many urban residents. However, it has also led to increased gentrification and displacement.

Gentrification is the process by which low-income residents are displaced from their homes by higher-income residents. This can happen when property values increase in a neighborhood, making it too expensive for low-income residents to afford to live there.

Displacement can have a number of negative consequences for low-income residents. It can lead to homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. It can also disrupt children's education and make it difficult for families to access essential services.

Obama has taken some steps to address the issue of gentrification and displacement. He has increased funding for affordable housing and created new programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. However, these measures have not been enough to stop the displacement of low-income residents from urban areas.

The Legacy of Obama's Urban Policies

It remains to be seen whether Obama's legacy on urban policy will be ultimately positive or negative. His policies have had a mixed impact on cities, with some positive impacts and some negative impacts. It is likely that the full impact of his policies will not be known for many years to come.

However, it is clear that Obama's urban policies have been a significant departure from the policies of his predecessors. He has made cities a priority and has invested heavily in urban infrastructure and economic development. He has also taken steps to address the issue of affordable housing and criminal justice reform.

Whether Obama's policies will ultimately be successful in revitalizing cities and improving the lives of urban residents remains to be seen. However, there is no doubt that his policies have been a major step forward in the effort to make cities more livable and sustainable.

"Urban Policy in the Time of Obama: Globalization and Community" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the impact of Obama's policies on cities. Owens provides a comprehensive overview of Obama's urban policy agenda and its impact on urban residents. He also offers a balanced assessment of Obama's legacy on urban policy.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the 21st century. It is also a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners who are working to improve the lives of urban residents.

Urban Policy in the Time of Obama (Globalization and Community Book 26)

by Bruno Vespa

5 out of 5