In Fortress Los Angeles: The Militarization of Urban Space, the author discusses how in Los Angeles it has become clear that the gap between rich and poor has been reinforced through security. The author states, “ The defense of luxury has given birth to an arsenal of security systems and an obsession with the policing of social boundaries.” No longer are the wealthy distinguished from the poor based on their riches. The poor neighborhoods are secluded from urban society through police enforced barricades. The disparity between rich and poor is now physically in place through military enforcement as well as construction of luxury buildings that clearly exclude those below a certain stature. The new use of public space as areas to divide the classes opposes the Olmstedian vision, which saw public spaces like parks as areas for the mixing of the rich and poor.

Question: How can public officials fulfill the Olmstedian vision through public policies?