Abstract
Partnerships between municipal governments and other organizations are essential to improving cities. As university enrollment in America’s cities increases, city/university partnerships have become an important political tool. Although there is extensive research on the nature of these partnerships there is little research on how a city and university build a partnership from the ground up. This project looks at the relationship that developed between the city of Phoenix and Arizona State University (ASU) that resulted in the construction of a new campus in downtown Phoenix. Mayor Phil Gordon sought to find a solution to revitalize Phoenix’s stagnant downtown and ASU President Michael Crow needed additional space to supplement ASU’s overflowing Tempe campus. I argue that there are three key factors that caused the leaders of Phoenix and ASU to align their interests. The three factors are the use of New Urbanism as a planning strategy, the presence of “transformative leadership” and regime building. I followed a case study methodology and visited Phoenix for observational research and interviews with key figures in the partnership. I concluded that the three factors were present within the partnership and were integral components of a unique revitalization strategy.
Advisor
Fitz Gibbon, Heather
Department
Urban Studies
Recommended Citation
Waldron, Henry, "From the Ground Up: A Case Study of How Universities and Cities Align Their Interests to Promote Mutually Beneficial Development" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5992.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5992
Disciplines
Urban Studies and Planning
Keywords
partnership, development, regime, Phoenix, ASU, leadership
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Henry Waldron