Urban politics and public policy – Looking back and going forward: “Project Renewal” in one Israeli city

This study examines the interaction between urban politics and public policy in the framework of an urban planning project. Specifically, the study is based on research into decisions that determined which neighborhoods were to be included in Project Renewal – a comprehensive physical and social program in Israel for rehabilitation of neighborhoods. The paper develops two themes: 1. Given a program that publicly lays down specific, measurable criteria for choosing target neighborhoods - how may the inclusion of neighborhoods that do not meet these criteria be explained, especially when more seriously “deprived” neighborhoods were not included? 2. Spatial dimensions of policy actions (i.e. spatial distribution of resources and services shaped according to physical, social and political characteristics of the landscape).The investigation was initially carried out in two development towns, Beit Shemesh and Kiryat Gat, where certain neighborhoods in each city were included in Project Renewal in 1979 and 1982, respectively. With consideration for journal limitations on article length, the study relates only to the latter city.Some 30 years have now passed since the start of Project Renewal. It seems a good time to review its various aspects, especially from a political-economic theory that applies the ’rational self-interest’ doctrine to bureaucratic and political behaviour.

► The neighborhoods chosen were based on political economy factors. ► Decision-makers preferred investing in areas that had given them political support. ► Decision-makers preferred investing in areas that provided a broad base for potential political support. ► A preference based on ethnic background emerged in the study.