ABSTRACT
This chapter examines political economy theory as a means for analyzing how politics and economics may influence city redevelopment efforts. The theoretical principles are: any city exists within the larger political structures of county, state, and nation; and local economies do not operate independently but connect to one another to forge state, national and international economic networks. The theoretical principles also include urban changes must be understood in the light of historical economic and political forces. The chapter presents the case which explores the economic and political implications developed during an attempt to redevelop the downtown area of Clarksville, Tennessee. The theme of the case is the complexity of initiating an urban redevelopment project due to the number of actors and their differing concerns. City officials used the information and support gained through the initiatives to develop a second urban renewal plan that received city council approval.
