The Downtown Strategic Plan for Los Angeles

This paper will discuss the Downtown Strategic Plan for Los Angeles through two different political economy models. The first part of the paper will examine some of the most important parts of the two models under discussion, the marketism and the Marxian models. The second part of the paper will analyze the most important parts of the DSP through the framework of these two models. The third part of the paper will discuss the virtues and vices of planning in light of the preceding analysis.

The two models under discussion in this paper, the marketism and Marxian models, are often considered to be diametrically opposed to each other. The marketism model stresses the functioning of economic markets within a society. These markets are themselves considered to be the driving force in the society, providing not only the economic basis for the community but also the regulating force for the community. The focus of the this model is on the local and regional levels of a political community, where the market forces regulate society. Although the basis for marketism rests in the idea that society is best regulated by the forces of the market, the model rejects any real study of these forces. The "market" functions best when it is left alone; it is basically a "natural force" which works without intervention. Consequently, marketism is a normative model in which the basic "good" is the natural func

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er economic market yet providing for equality of opportunity at the same time. Its goal is to ensure the prosperity of Downtown Los Angeles and thereby preserve its vital role in the future of the region. The DSP views economic prosperity and social change as necessary for one another and the planners believe that they can achieve both aims (DSP, 1993, pp. 2-12). As will be seen, the DSP planners seem to be trying to adhere to the goals of both the marketism and Marxian models but avoid adopting any of the major attributes of either model. The DSP represents an attempt to preserve the traditional power and influence of the Downtown section of the city of Los Angeles. This section had formerly been the main industrial and employment region in Southern California, as well as its financial and governmental heart. As the overall economy in the nation and the region changed, however, Downtown Los Angeles grew less important as a central focus and leader. Industries left the area and the unemployment rate increased. In addition, a changing social climate led to increases in crime and homelessness; as a result, the Downtown area came to be perceived as a dirty and dangerous place, unfit for residency or new business. The propos
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Approximate Word count = 1624
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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