Growth Machines and Ballot Box Planning: The San Diego Case

Abstract

: Growth machine theory is ambiguous about the chances of success of citizen groups fighting land-based elites, an ambiguity reflected in contrasting theoretical assumptions and empirical research. This paper suggests that a longitudinal frame of reference is necessary to understand the variety of outcomes of growth conflicts and that the importance of ballot box planning in contesting growth machines needs to be assessed. Growth conflicts in San Diego during 1970–1990 were studied. It was found that: (1) growth conflicts follow a dialectical pattern of action and reaction, (2) citizen groups, through initiatives, can significantly affect the quality and location of development, (J) the growth machine controls the playing field when long-term growth is challenged, (4) in combatting challenges to growth, the growth machine presents a united front only sporadically, and (5) environmental and growth control citizen groups rarely achieve consensus.