Racial Equity and Economic Development

This course addresses the organizational, institutional, and public policy foundations of stratification and racial inequality in the United States, particularly racial equity as a key value, measure, and framework for preparing and implementing local economic development plans and policies. The course examines theory as well as the implementation of local policy initiatives for racial equity in US cities. Investigating a wide range of contemporary theory and practice in the field of urban economic development, students propose new recommendations and executive strategies for cities currently pursuing pro-growth agendas. The course focuses on the Harvard Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative's Guide to Equitable Economic Development as a framework for discussion and the adoption of a city for further examination and recommendations. From redevelopment to entrepreneurship approaches, the course provides students with a working knowledge of local government approaches to more equitable economic development strategies; a critical point of view on the merits and limitations of these strategies; and formal opportunities to present new views to public and political actors in the field.