The Fundamentals of Local Policy Implementation In Military Base Redevelopment

Abstract

Local communities, facing the dilemma of military base conversions, confront a complex and demanding implementation process. The establishment of discursive formations, proactive involvement with intergovernmental processes, and immediate action on environmental issues are key to successful base conversions. Case studies that emphasize base conversion difficulties are presented to illustrate the three key elements of early base conversion implementation. Recommendations are presented to assist practitioners in resolving local implementation problems.

Reinvesting Government: Financing Options for Military Base Redevelopment

“…Also at issue is whether better alternatives exist. Most base conversions are mixed public/private solutions governed by Local Reuse Authorities (LRAs) who administer the property and conversion plans as public authorities (Hansen et al 1997;Hansen 2004). Some of these are incorporated as special districts or public enterprises that have the power to issue bonds and negotiate leases, which might give them a potential institutional capacity competitive with or greater than large private corporations.…”

Symbolic Opposition: A Retrospective Analysis of House Votes to Reject BRAC Recommendations in 1989, 1991, and 1995

“…It is risky to assume base closures could instantly result in windfalls for a district. Some base conversions might be held up for years due to environmental cleanup and red tape (Hansen 2004;Hansen, Skopek, and Somma 1997).…”

The Discourse Heresies

“…Previous work on the topic of base redevelopment has tended to focus on theory (sometimes including rational choice), discourse analysis, and comparative case studies (Glassberg, 1995;Hansen, Skopek, & Somma, 1997;Koven, 1992;Mayer, 1995, Sorenson, 1998. Many of these works are descriptive as opposed to analytical.…”