Regime or coalition? Power relations and the urban agenda in Saint John, 1950‐2000
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy
ISSN: 1750-6204
Article publication date: 16 October 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the forces and actors that shaped urban development in a mid‐sized Canadian city over a half century.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study adopts a qualitative research approach based on government documents, planning studies, the media and non‐governmental organization sources to examine the applicability of regime theory versus growth coalition theory in the Canadian context.
Findings
The paper concludes that the broader urban agenda in Saint John, with its focus on economic competitiveness, has been shaped by shifting growth coalitions supported by both the private and public sectors.
Research limitations/implications
One limitation is that analysis is based mainly on documentary evidence and the public statements of elected officials and business interests. Future research would attempt to conduct oral interviews with representative informants.
Practical implications
One practical implication for urban researchers is the need to look beyond electoral politics and partisanship in order to understand how urban development is shaped in the medium and long term. The research findings suggest also the need for informed citizens to adopt a more critical stance to business and political leaders, and to the local media, in their own communities.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the few to address the politics of urban development in Saint John, New Brunswick's largest city. It also contributes to the literature on regionalism and mid‐sized cities.
Keywords
Citation
Marquis, G. (2009), "Regime or coalition? Power relations and the urban agenda in Saint John, 1950‐2000", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 355-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506200910999101
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited