The Politics of Housing and Urban Development

1 Course Unit

This course offers an exploration of how legislative action, government policymaking, and citizen advocacy influence plans for the investment of public capital in distressed urban neighborhoods. Course topics will include City of Philadelphia development policies launched during the administration of Mayor James F. Kenney, who left office in January, 2024, as well as initial policy development plans being advanced by Kenney’s successor, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The course will include a review and assessment of strategies for vacant property acquisition and development, downtown revitalization, housing preservation, and homelessness prevention. Currently relevant topics, such as homeless encampments, the University City Townhomes, and environmental hazards associated with Camden waterfront development will be examined in special discussion sessions. Fall Mutually Exclusive: GAFL 5690 1 Course Unit