Final answer:
Urban growth coalitions consist of powerful partnerships among political and economic leaders that shape urban development in ways that often benefit the middle and upper classes. These groups influence investment flows, land use regulations, and result in patterns like urban sprawl, while managing the costs associated with development is a challenge for both developed and developing countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Logan and Molotch, urban growth coalitions refer to the synergistic relationships between various political and economic leaders who influence the development patterns within cities. These coalitions typically consist of land developers, local government officials, and business leaders who work together to determine where investment flows and how land use is regulated. The result of these partnerships often emphasizes exchange value over use value, leading to urban sprawl and gentrification that generally benefit the middle and upper classes.
For example, urban development is influenced by both structure (groups like local government) and agency (individuals such as businesspeople and activists), shaping the utilization of land in dynamic ways. Activist movements like Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) showcase how certain groups can exert more influence over land use decisions, typically in more affluent areas. Moreover, sprawling suburban developments often impose substantial costs on taxpayers, who subsidize the infrastructural expansion necessary for remote residential areas.
As urban areas continue to grow, especially with 80% of the U.S. population living in metropolitan regions, the challenges of managing urban development become more complex. Other countries, particularly in the developing world, are only beginning to experience this rapid urbanization, leading to significant challenges in planning and managing growth in major cities.