URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS QUESTIONS—answer ONLY one from this section
(Recommended length is five double-space pages)
1. Is gentrification a necessary evil, and is there a way to maintain urban vitality without
gentrification? Some criticize gentrification as a process that drives out the poor and
homogenizes urban neighborhoods that otherwise would be economically, ethnically and
racially diverse. Others argue that gentrification is inevitable for certain parts of a city that
experience decay, rising crime and deprivation of basic resources (such as
supermarkets, banks, etc.). What is your opinion about gentrification? Explain your
answer in light of the existing theories and evidence in urban politics.

URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS QUESTIONS
2. To what extent does “politics” matter in urban politics and policy making? Some found
that the political characteristic of the city, such as mayor’s partisanship, has little to do
with the city’s cultural, economic and social policies, while others contend that political
ideology of the elites plays a crucial role in determining the nature of urban policies. If
politics matters, which aspect of politics – e.g., election, agenda setting, or interest group
– is important for decision making? If politics does not matter much, what influences the
direction of urban policies? Explain your answer with evidence that supports your
position.

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