Mega-projects, city-building and community benefits

Mega-projects figure prominently in the arsenal of contemporary city-building strategies. The allure is of a city redefined, placed on the world stage and able to improve services, facilities and revenues. Community attitudes to such projects are often mixed, with fears of gentrification, displacement or loss of existing city character. Although mega-projects are adopted to pursue global ambitions, concerted community-based demands are to use them to satisfy local needs. This article examines mega-projects that address both city-building and local concerns. Cases - situated in Montreal, Vancouver and Los Angeles - are examined in which innovative practices prioritized the quality of residential areas and needs of low-income households. The article reviews how agreements were reached, the form they took and neighborhood outcomes. The paper concludes by exploring whether new constellations of community-based actors and novel planning processes are emerging in parallel to the rise in mega-projects.

Research highlights► New tactics are used to align city-promotion with the needs of ordinary residents. ► Three mega-projects that address city-building aims and community needs are studied. ► Agreements on local benefits range from statements of principles to legal contracts. ► Leadership varied, with community consultations, coalitions and/or government key. ► Resulting projects addressed employment, housing and quality-of-life in nearby areas.