Evaluating Housing Renewal Policy in Sweden: An Interest-Oriented Approach

:During the 1980s a number of urban renewal programs have been initiated in Sweden. In this article an interest-oriented approach for sytematic evaluation of housing renewal is proposed. Taking a contextual analysis as a logical point of departure, two further levels of evaluation are identified. The second one is theoretically crucial, i.e., the identification of interests and actors. On the third level, is the task of mapping the implementation structure. Here the focus is on the ways the different interests and actors conflict and harmonize as regards the formulation and weighing of needs and goals, the mobilization of resources, and the execution, reflection, and feedback of policy. It is argued that these three levels together form a conceptual framework favoring comparative analysis of different cases and facilitating communication between theorists and practitioners. The methodological approach is illustrated by reference to current housing renewal programs in Sweden.