Rethinking American Urban Policy

Abstract

Sweeping changes have occurred in US cities since the 1960s. Demographic shifts have increased the population and political strength of suburbs. The economy has become globalized and many urban areas have been seriously affected by the reorganization of basic industry. Additionally, the nation is confronted with a deficit of immense proportions. This paper examines the influence of these trends on urban policy intiatives over the past four decades. US urban policy is critically explored and analyzed. The need for a national urban policy is stressed. The authors conclude that both major political parties have failed to place cities at the center of domestic policy and suggest ways to create a national urban policy.

Corporately Sponsored Redevelopment Campaigns and the Social Stability of Urban Neighborhoods: St. Louis Revisited

“…In general, the main thrust of these practices and policies is less to promote integration and more to maintain some sort of stable demographic mix of old-timers and newcomers (Ames et al, 1992;Galster, 1998;Nyden, Maly, & Lukehart, 1997;Saltman, 1990a;Saltman, 1990b;Smith, 1998).…”

“…Studies of inner-city redevelopment typically focus on three main ways in which replacement and/or succession occur. In this tradition, neighborhood change occurs through urban renewal, gentrification, and incumbent upgrading, all of which are generally considered detrimental to the interests of urban working and lower class people (Ames et al, 1992;Anderson, 1990;Gans, 1962).…”

“…Many scholars suggest that prior policies, notably urban renewal programs, have not only failed to alleviate these problems but in many cases have exacerbated the social problems present in our urban neighborhoods (Ames et al, 1992;Anderson, 1990;Gans, 1962).…”

“…of prejudice, government policies, and investment practices by lenders make it hard for this situation to change (Massey et al, 1994;Molotch, 1976;Squires, 1994). Many scholars suggest that prior policies, notably urban renewal programs, have not only failed to alleviate these problems but in many cases have exacerbated the social problems present in our urban neighborhoods (Ames et al, 1992;Anderson, 1990;Gans, 1962).…”

Vers la fin des bidonvilles à Lisbonne

“…Cette tendance à la redéfinition des cadres spatiaux urbains est générale dans les pays développés. De nombreuses études montrent le développement des coopérations (LEFEVRE et JOUVE, 1992) et l'adaptation, nécessairement un peu plus lente, des cadres administratifs et politiques (BOOTH, 1991;BARNEZET, 1993;PETERSON, 1981;OTTENSMANN, 1996; AMES et BROWN, 1992). Débutée tardivement à Lisbonne, cette évolution semble inéluctable.…”