Urban Renewal and Redevelopment

This course provides a critical examination of the history, theory, and contemporary practice of urban renewal and redevelopment. It analyzes the transition from mid-20th-century 'slum clearance' to modern, nuanced strategies focused on revitalization, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse. Participants will learn about the financing mechanisms, legal tools, and planning processes—such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and eminent domain—used to facilitate complex redevelopment projects. The core challenge addressed is how to catalyze significant investment and change while promoting social equity and mitigating the risks of gentrification and displacement.