Introduces a special, 20th-anniversary issue of "Urban Affairs Quarterly." Raises questions concerning the journal's function; the major factors affecting American urban areas; trends and projections for the future; significant policy initiatives; and research needs regarding cities and policymaking. (KH)

Traces the decline of national interest in the problems of cities since the abundance of federal legislation passed in response to the urban crisis of the 1960's. Asserts that, by the 1980's, economic changes had stimulated a new era of private sector domination in American cities. (KH)

The Urban Education Project was implemented to help the National PTA realize its historical commitment to reversing the deterioration of human life in urban centers, especially in schools, and to emphasizing the actual and potential strengths of diverse publics collaborating in dealing with urban problems. Six hearings were held to identify and…

Presents brief overview of the development of urban studies, from its origins in the "urban crisis" of the 1960's to the present trend toward study of the terrapolis, the world system of interdependent metropolitan areas. Focuses on the role of "Urban Affairs Quarterly," changing definitions of the "city," and the…

Describes the evolving emphasis of schools of urban planning from concentration on scientific management, beautifying cities, and educating the public in the 1920s to solving the social problems in the 1960s. Calls for a collaboration of business and other professional schools to redefine the function and purpose of urban planning schools to…

Downtown developments have saved some cities from collapse but don't make up for the loss of federal funds, nor do they provide jobs or housing suitable for most inner city residents. Nothing, however, has hurt the inner cities more than drug use. (DM)

Discusses factors which shaped the American city during the last 20 years, including those associated with demography, decreases in public spending on social services, changing international economy, the growing importance of self-interest groups, and the proliferation of urban policy initiatives. Outlines briefly some trends in urban research.…

The major problem in addressing urban homelessness lies in integrating the efforts to eliminate its structural causes and in drawing the lines of responsibility between government, private welfare groups and individuals for the shelter and rehabilitative needs of homeless people. (Author)

Presents information, statistical and anecdotal, on the disproportionate involvement of Black youth in crime. Describes the existence of a large, alienated underclass of Black youth, composed of drug pushers and users. Examines political, social, and familial causes of this problem and suggests some solutions. (KH)

Los Angeles is rapidly becoming more diverse. Its future depends upon whether educational needs can be met and whether public transportation can be developed that ends the isolation of the many "villages" that make up the area and enables them to work together. (EVL)

In 1982, the Boston Compact attempted to tackle student dropout employment problems. This paper reviews the process of this agreement made by local leaders, traces the creation of a communitywide plan to respond to Boston's school dropout problem, and summarizes Boston's Draft Dropout Prevention Reentry plan. (Author/LHW)

Poverty and racism are the chief causes of homelessness. Political action is needed to persuade the government to provide affordable housing and related social services. (DM)

The issue of school closure has demanded the attention of most school districts serving large urban populations. Factors such as court mandates for desegregation, urban flight, diminishing financial resources, souring operational costs, and declining enrollments have added a mixture of unprecedented circumstances to the issue. The Cleveland School…

This paper explores how the people of Owen Sound, Ontario viewed the various regions of their city. Presents maps showing perceptions of positive and negative regions. Includes examples of citizens' characterizations of these regions, showing social attitudes and values. (JDH)

Describes the main findings of British urban social geographers. Concludes that though social geographers have adequately described residential areas using "objective data," they still have not conveyed much of what it is like for people to live in urban areas. Includes a 68-item bibliography. (JDH)