How can you critique neoliberal urban planning?

1 Historical context

One way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to understand its historical context and how it emerged as a response to the crisis of the post-war welfare state and the rise of globalization. You can trace the origins of neoliberal urban planning to the 1970s, when cities faced economic decline, social unrest, and fiscal stress. To cope with these challenges, urban planners adopted a more market-oriented and entrepreneurial approach that focused on stimulating growth, attracting investment, and enhancing competitiveness. You can also examine how neoliberal urban planning evolved over time and how it adapted to different political, economic, and social contexts.

2 Theoretical framework

Another way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to analyze its theoretical framework and how it shapes the goals, values, and methods of urban planning. You can question the underlying assumptions and ideologies of neoliberal urban planning, such as the efficiency and rationality of the market, the autonomy and responsibility of the individual, and the neutrality and legitimacy of the state. You can also compare and contrast neoliberal urban planning with other urban planning theories, such as critical urban theory, feminist urban theory, or postcolonial urban theory, that offer alternative perspectives and critiques.

3 Spatial implications

A third way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to explore its spatial implications and how it affects the physical and social landscape of the city. You can identify and evaluate the various forms and manifestations of neoliberal urban planning, such as urban megaprojects, gated communities, smart cities, or creative districts. You can also assess the impacts and consequences of neoliberal urban planning on different aspects of urban life, such as housing, mobility, public space, or culture.

4 Power relations

A fourth way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to examine its power relations and how it influences the distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities in the city. You can reveal and challenge the interests and agendas of the actors and institutions involved in neoliberal urban planning, such as corporations, developers, politicians, or experts. You can also expose and resist the mechanisms and strategies of neoliberal urban planning that enable and justify the domination, exploitation, or exclusion of certain groups or communities, such as marketization, commodification, or securitization.

5 Ethical implications

A fifth way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to consider its ethical implications and how it relates to the norms and values of urban planning. You can evaluate the ethical principles and standards of neoliberal urban planning, such as efficiency, innovation, or flexibility, and how they align or conflict with other ethical principles and standards, such as equity, diversity, or participation. You can also reflect on the ethical responsibilities and dilemmas of urban planners who operate within or against the neoliberal urban planning framework.

6 Alternative visions

A sixth way to critique neoliberal urban planning is to propose alternative visions and practices that challenge the neoliberal urban planning paradigm and offer more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable ways of planning and developing the city. You can explore and support the various initiatives and movements that resist or contest neoliberal urban planning, such as grassroots activism, community organizing, or social innovation. You can also imagine and create the scenarios and strategies that envision and enact a different future for the city, such as utopianism, radical democracy, or degrowth.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?