Framing Cultural Resource Policies in Comprehensive Plans

Abstract

In the United States, local governments have developed cultural policies, integrating them into the overall policy-making process. Although the research on cultural projects in urban development continues to grow, very few studies focus on American cities. Using a lens based on neo-institutional theory, this study traces the way Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, framed policies for arts and culture in their comprehensive plans. One major finding shows that State law with its focus on historic preservation heavily influences policies for arts and culture within comprehensive plans. Left out are policies pertaining to creative industries, despite their increased consideration in cultural policy.