"Good jobs, not gentrification" : the fight for community centered development in Roxbury

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential and limitations of organizing for community control and employment benefits in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Following decades of disinvestment, this community is experiencing an upsurge in new commercial and residential construction. Concerns about gentrification and displacement of low and moderate income residents inspired a wave of direct action organizing demanding tangible local employment benefits from new development. The campaign culminated in the passage of a "Good Jobs Policy", to be applied to future construction projects in Roxbury. This thesis factors in organizing strategy and political context to explain the campaign's successes and failures. The findings indicated that appropriate preparation and timing, a strong organizing infrastructure, political support and sustained community mobilization helped ensure the policy's passage through the local advisory body. The exclusion of one of its intended provisions can be attributed to the poor governance practices and the competing priorities of local stakeholders. Drawing on these lessons, this thesis recommends a set of priorities and actions to advance community control and benefit from future development in the neighborhood.