State-reinforced self-governance of community-managed open spaces in Chicago, IL and Louisville, KY.
Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2018
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies
Degree Program
Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in Sustainability, MA
Committee Chair
DeCaro, Daniel
Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)
Heberle, Lauren
Committee Member
Heberle, Lauren
Committee Member
Kinahan, Kelly
Author's Keywords
state-reinforced self-governance; self-governance; community-managed open space; community gardens; Chicago; Louisville
Abstract
As urban populations rise, small greenspaces, like gardens, are increasingly important to well-being of communities, and urban sustainability as a whole. However, past development, and current political and economic challenges encumber many cities in providing adequate greenspace. Cities like Chicago, IL and Louisville, KY have turned to the communities to manage greenspaces with help from partner organizations. This thesis examines these arrangements, and compares them in terms of several potential factors, (i.e. legal authority, responsibility, and support). Semi-structured interviews of important community greenspace stakeholders, and archival sources including original documents, news articles, and government reports, were used to understand the context of these cases. Results indicate that Chicago’s NeighborSpace program, a government-supported non-profit land trust, strongly exhibits the hypothesized factors. Whereas, Louisville’s reliance on the Jefferson County Cooperative Service, with insufficient authority or support, is less effective and does not empower communities. NeighborSpace may serve as a model for Louisville.
Recommended Citation
Dietsch, Willow Sequoia, "State-reinforced self-governance of community-managed open spaces in Chicago, IL and Louisville, KY." (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2955.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/2955
