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Urban Policy in the Time of Obama: Globalization and Community

Andres Carter

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

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

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
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages

The presidency of Barack Obama marked a transformative era in urban policy, coinciding with a period of profound globalization and economic shifts. This article will delve into the intricate relationship between these two forces, examining how Obama's policies sought to address the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by globalization while fostering vibrant and inclusive communities.

Globalization: The Context

Globalization, characterized by increased interconnectedness, trade, and cultural exchange across borders, has had a multifaceted impact on urban areas. While it has brought economic growth and technological advancements, it has also exacerbated inequalities and strained urban ecosystems.

Cities, hubs of globalization, have become microcosms of its complexities. They attract international investment and talent, driving economic prosperity but also leading to gentrification and displacement. Infrastructure and technology, while connecting cities globally, can exacerbate disparities in access and affordability.

Obama's Urban Agenda

Recognizing these challenges, President Obama made urban development a cornerstone of his domestic policy agenda. His administration implemented a range of initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability in cities across the United States.

Economic Development

Obama's economic policies focused on investing in infrastructure, small businesses, and innovation hubs to create jobs and boost economic growth. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed in response to the 2008 financial crisis, provided billions of dollars in funding for urban infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public transportation.

Additionally, the administration launched the Small Business Jobs Act, aimed at providing tax breaks and loans to small businesses in economically distressed communities. These policies aimed to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities for residents.

Social Equity

Addressing social inequities was central to Obama's urban policy. His administration recognized that globalization had exacerbated disparities in income, education, and health outcomes. The Affordable Care Act, often known as Obamacare, expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, including urban residents who previously lacked access to affordable healthcare.

The administration also implemented initiatives to promote affordable housing, such as the National Housing Trust Fund, which provided funding for the development and preservation of affordable housing units. These policies aimed to create more equitable communities and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Environmental Sustainability

Obama's urban policy also emphasized environmental sustainability. The administration recognized that cities contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and faced challenges such as air pollution and climate change. The Clean Power Plan aimed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants, including those located in urban areas.

Additionally, the administration launched the Sustainable Communities Initiative, a partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT),to promote compact, walkable, and transit-oriented development. These policies sought to reduce urban sprawl, improve air quality, and foster healthier communities.

Globalization and Community

The interplay between Obama's urban policies and globalization was complex and multifaceted.

Opportunities

Globalization provided opportunities for cities to access global markets, attract investment, and foster cultural exchange. Obama's policies aimed to harness these opportunities while ensuring that the benefits were shared equitably.

Challenges

However, globalization also presented challenges for communities, such as economic inequality, displacement, and environmental degradation. Obama's policies attempted to mitigate these negative impacts and create more resilient and sustainable urban environments.

Urban policy in the time of Obama was shaped by the dual forces of globalization and community development. The administration's initiatives aimed to address the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by globalization while fostering vibrant and inclusive communities. While the long-term impacts of these policies continue to be debated, they undoubtedly laid the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable urban future.

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

by Bruno Vespa

5 out of 5