City building in Addis Ababa, as elsewhere, is not only about economics. It is a moral project, grounded in the belief that new buildings and infrastructure will generate growth and uplift the poor.
In this new @FordhamPress book, I explore why that promise remains elusive
The book is available through Fordham University Press, MNG Bookshop, and major booksellers including Blackwell’s, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and others:
https://t.co/JAu3bZlH6n
https://t.co/m60nC5SVhb
Recognising these struggles and achievements—and being clear about how you can support them, rather than claim ownership of them—would improve the quality of local politics. Thank you.
I have noticed that some prospective councillors, in their leaflets and communications, have claimed close involvement in campaigns, or even suggested that their actions led to communities securing libraries, housing, and services.
Dear prospective councillors, please don’t do this. These gains belong to the communities who have worked and fought hard to stop the closure of libraries, defend their housing, and challenge the threat of demolition facing entire neighbourhoods.
In 2020-2025, 22,483 houses have been completed in Birmingham. Only 1827 were "affordable" - 407 were social rent. (FOI DATA)
25,000 households are in a waiting list for social housing.
If the development model was right, many families would have found a secure home by now.
What is happening in Druids Heath?
Newly released financial viability documents shows that the development is not only unviable. It is also unsustainable.
Full posts here:
https://t.co/21z5PoThAT
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Neoliberalism is not market-led. It is about the state subsidizing the corporate world without delivering much in return to communities. The housing system fails because that the state subsidizes housing developers without claiming anything in return for the communities.