Help Us Stay Paywall-Free

Democracy depends on the free exchange of ideas. Help sustain it with a tax-deductible donation today.

ndf_37

Michael Gecan

Michael Gecan, an organizer with Industrial Areas Foundation for over 25 years, is author of After America’s Midlife Crisis and Going Public.

Articles

The community development industry has failed in the fight for fair housing. Despite claiming to involve residents, power and self-interest still have the final say.

Michael Gecan
The only antidote to despair over national politics will be to generate and expand new solutions at local, state, and regional levels.
Michael Gecan
The calculus of power isn’t defined by hits or clicks or tweets. It is measured in relationships and meaningful reactions over time.
Michael Gecan
Lessons from a community organizer on building political power.
Michael Gecan

Cities can make decisions. Cities can set their own priorities. Cities can resist the self-interested categories of those with extraordinary wealth.

Michael Gecan

American education used to be locally controlled and highly pragmatic. Not anymore.

Michael Gecan

Isn’t the whole national political scene just so depressing?

Michael Gecan
The Chicago way of doing politics.
Michael Gecan

Policy wonks, patronage, and the possibilities of the grassroots

Michael Gecan
Urban decline moves to the suburbs
Michael Gecan
Contempt for religion costs Democrats more than votes.
Michael Gecan

Forum Responses

As an avid reader and admirer of Ira Katznelson’s work, I am both puzzled and disappointed by his essay. I am puzzled as to why he defines the crisis of democratic decline...
Michael Gecan
The Many Forms of Influence Martin Gilens has lobbed several original and challenging conclusions into the debate about American democracy and citizen participation. First, in about half of the policy changes he...
Michael Gecan

We are teaming up this spring to offer a year of both magazines.

Use code DISSENT when you purchase a print BR membership.

Act fast: offer ends March 31!

Use code DISSENT when you purchase a print BR membership. Offer ends March 31.