Growth Ideology in a Period of Decline: Deindustrialization and Restructuring, Flint Style

Abstract

This paper examines the ideology of growth in the context of local economic development activities in Flint, Michigan. The literature on urban political economies, which suggests that local communities can be best understood as “growth machines” directed by a “growth ideology,” is examined first. Then, Flint's growth ideology amid deindustrialization is explored through a case study of local economic development that pursued a costly and failed strategy based on tourism and tax abatement/infrastructure improvements. Finally, scrutiny is brought to bear on the most recent suggestion that a centralized planning process mil lead to an economic renewal in Flint; the conclusion is drawn that local growth ideology constrains the thinking of economic development decision-makers. This ideological constraint inhibits consideration of progressive economic planning aimed at sustainable economic development strategies.

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