McNair Scholar Katie Gower Publishes Groundbreaking Research on Homelessness in Urban Geography Journal!
We are thrilled to announce that Katie Gower, a McNair Scholar, has published her article, “Compassionate revanchism, homelessness, and the divided local state: the case of Spokane, WA,” in the prestigious Journal of Urban Geography. Katie conducted her research under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Anderson and presented her findings to the Mayor of Spokane, Lisa Brown.
Katie’s study offers an in-depth analysis of compassionate revanchism in the spatial management of homelessness in Spokane, Washington—a city that has seen rising levels of homelessness but remains understudied compared to larger West Coast cities. Her research highlights how Spokane’s policies reflect the contradictory blend of persistent revanchist approaches alongside increased funding for systems of care, such as low-barrier shelters, mirroring trends in other urban areas.
The article critically examines the internal workings of Spokane’s local government in addressing homelessness, revealing a sharp conflict between the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and other state agencies. This internal divide underscores the complexities and competing narratives within local government regarding the causes and solutions for homelessness. Katie’s critical discourse analysis demonstrates that compassionate revanchism is not a singular or ambivalent policy but rather a reflection of deeper divisions within the local state.
Katie’s achievement not only advances academic understanding of urban homelessness but also brings much-needed attention to the unique challenges faced by midsize cities like Spokane. We congratulate Katie on her publication and commend her commitment to impactful research and public service! Great job, Katie!
For her full article visit: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02723638.2024.2391715
