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)

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…

Based on an examination of 70 cities, greater dominance of cities is found to be positively related to their long-term per capita debt. The results are examined from both natural and planned system models, each of which suggests different policy implications. (Author/GC)

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.…

This article discusses how the policy to allocate Community Block Grants has changed to the disadvantage of needier communmities as the result of demographic changes and an increase in entitlement communities. Options are presented for policy makers to change allocation so that more distressed communities will be targeted for funds. (VM)

The Responsive Public Services system of Savannah, Georgia, is described and evaluated. The system measures output equality of conditions in all city neighborhoods so that resources can be targeted according to need. The system is analyzed in terms of theoretical literature on equality and the determinants of urban public service delivery.…

Analysis of data on citizen contacts with the Cincinnati municipal bureaucracy reveals some possible racial and social discrimination in treatment of citizens, but no discrimination by income. However, municipal administrators appear mostly to be exercising neutral competence in their dealings with citizens, and not always to the disadvantage of…

Deals with a recent effort at urban reform, the movement for community control over schools in America's largest cities; putting theories into practice is as difficult as ever. (DM)

The problems of cities influence the amount of state aid which is given. More aid is allocated in states with needier cities. Reformist political climates have also helped to gain state allotments for distressed cities. The record of states in this matter is better than that of the federal government. (VM)

Analyses and evidence presented suggest that suppliers of low-income housing are caught in a tightening vise of contracting demand and rising costs. (DM)

Cities are susceptible to slowly changing forces which shape and limit community choices. This article reviews those forces and choices from 1789 through the present. It explores the dependency relationships cities have with the larger politico-economic order and evaluates the impact of these relationships on the politics of urban economic…

Analyzes factors which have contributed to the poor conditions of large cities: failure of courage to deal with racism; individualism; short-term thinking; political nonaccountability; diversity of peoples and information; loss of faith in leaders and in nation; and threat of nuclear war. Calls for new policy initiatives and outlines an urban…

Economic and demographic changes in the central city have created two conflicting urban groups: (1) the poor, who seek inexpensive housing and greater welfare expenditures; and (2) the elite, who seek neighborhood improvement, fewer housing units, and more environment-enhancing investments. Reconstruction of urban America requires a reconciliation…

Investigates the concepts and evidence needed to understand the extent of racial segregation in the Federal public housing program operating in metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Attempts to explain the level and variation of public housing segregation by examining legislative, programatic, and regional factors. Suggests directions…