Matthias Bernt, Department of Urban and Environmental Sociology, UFZ — Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig-Halle, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany

Year of publication: 2009

This article in the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research considers the experience of cities in eastern Germany, where rapid population and de-industrialisation have posed questions for urban governance that are not answered by the typical pro-growth or ‘entrepreneurial’ approach to local politics.

The author finds that eastern Germany cities lack of private investment and limited control – and simply lack - of local taxation has made declining places ever more reliant on centralised funding and, hence, priorities.

One important top-down initiative to restore housing market equilibrium in declining places has been large-scale demolition of stock. Incentivised by federal government grant, municipalities and landlords formed uneasy coalitions focused on securing funding, while outward-facing business interests, already under-represented due to de-industrialisation, are further marginalised in civic partnerships.

Content type: Anchor institutions

Tags: journal article

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