In highly urbanised North America and Europe, local governments are facing protests against gentrification and displacement. The protests often open up new avenues for affected populations to participate in local decision-making – through community-based planning, participatory budgeting, and other inclusionary tactics. In response to threats of displacement of vulnerable populations, diversity – of ethnicity, race, gender, age and sexual orientation – is often recognised as a powerful element to be protected and promoted in local policy. It may lead to progress in realising the right to the city. In this chapter I will question whether inclusionary tactics tend to undo or reinforce diversity, considering the case of New York City.
