Suburban Land-Use Policies and. Community Pressure Groups in Southfield, Michigan

Creation and preservation of affluent suburban communities is dependent upon the existence of political expedients, whose primary function is to insure perpetuation of exclusionary socioeconomic barriers. Local land-use policies, as determined by municipal zoning regulations and building codes, have become mechanisms by which the status quo is maintained. The content of local land-use policies is particularly susceptible to political influence of community pressure groups. These groups are often a major force in the community decision-making process as they seek to mold local public policy in accordance with their own conceptions. Suburban elected officials have been extremely responsive to demands of community pressure groups. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of suburban community pressure groups in local land-use policies. A chronology of recent land-use controversy in the suburban community of Southfield, Michigan is included to provide empirical evidence of motivations, power bases and methods by which community pressure groups influence local decision-makers.