Class 5: Institutions II

Question 1

Einstein et al.: What is the general dilemma regarding local participation in politics?

Answer 1

While it is a key way for policymakers to know their constituents’ preferences, it may amplify some voices more than others (captured by small, unrepresentative group)

Question 2

Einstein et al.: How do they explain why some might participate more in local housing politics than others?

Answer 2

Concentrated costs, but diffuse benefits!

The concentrated costs of development projects creates strong incentives for highly affected neighborhoods groups to mobilize against development

The diffuse benefits of increased housing are less likely to motivate participation from the broader population that might benefit from more housing

Question 3

Einstein et al.: Research methods

Answer 3

Collect data on citizen participation in planning and zoning board meetings dealing with construction of multiple housing units in 97 Massachusetts cities and towns in 2015-2017

Matching participation comments to demographic information and vote on statewide housing ballot

Question 4

Einstein et al.: Who is more likely to participate in local housing meetings - demographics ?

Answer 4

Older, male, longtime residents, who voted in the last local elections, and who own a home -> unrepresentative of the broader population

Question 5

Einstein et al.: Were the majority participating in local meetings for or against new housing?

Answer 5

Overwhelming majority were in opposition to new housing - only 15% expressed support

Question 6

Einstein et al.: Is opposition to new housing at the local meetings disproportionate compared to the broader population’s views?

Answer 6

Yes! Comparing it to the referendum on affordable housing, 56% were pro-affordable housing -> big gap

Question 7

Einstein et al.: Is there a racial and class element to anti-housing comments?

Answer 7

Yes! 11% cited “neighborhood characteristics” to oppose housing projects, which can be racially coded to mean excluding poor people and people of color

Question 8

Einstein et al.: What did they find regarding knowledge levels of participants?

Answer 8

Unusually high, often connected to their professions -> perhaps making it harder for other groups to participate

Question 9

Einstein et al.: What 2 things do they recommend policymakers do?

Answer 9

1. Include more renters in the housing development process by ensuring that they are aware of housing developments in their community
2. Restructure public hearings to encourage greater deliberation and genuine responsiveness

Question 10

Einstein et al.: How do these meetings affect actual housing policy?

Answer 10

They delay or kill projects through procedural hurdles and cost increases, often leading to more expensive and smaller projects or the withdrawal of proposals -> contributing small-scale to housing shortages