Historically, public spaces have functioned as settings of public gathering, political demonstration, commercial exchange, socialization, and recreation. In the context of neo-liberalism, however, public spaces assume an additional role. As cities compete with each other toward economic growth, public spaces become important amenities. Safe, clean, and lively public spaces serve as catalysts for investment. Thus, cities, often in partnership with private corporations, have engaged in redeveloping public spaces in order to create desirable locations that may attract and retain residents and businesses that could be established virtually anywhere. However, the narrative of public spaces as tools for economic growth clashes with the reality of many individuals whose basic needs must be fulfilled in public spaces. Design, land use, management, and surveillance strategies adopted in redeveloped public spaces may hinder the homeless' ability to utilize public spaces for survival.
This research utilizes data collected through participant observation to describe and analyze anti-homeless strategies employed at Fountain Square, in Cincinnati, Ohio, since its renovation in 2006. These strategies have intended or unintended consequences that disproportionally affect the homeless. But, more importantly, they reflect the changing role of public and private agencies and may negatively affect the role of public spaces as democratic places. I suggest that the use of strategies to ensure public spaces succeed in attracting investments are only viable and desirable insofar as no individual depends on public spaces for survival.