Rethinking American Urban Policy

: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.