The Improbability of Urban Policy The Case of the United States

Recent American history reveals that national urban policies lack effective coordination and have themselves contributed to urban problems. In this article, federal programs, budgets, and the obstacles presented by pluralism and the political economy are reviewed. Programs in transportation, housing, redevelopment, and industrial location are elaborated. The authors conclude that coherent national urban policy, to serve the interests of American residents, would conflict with the needs of the market. While there is little hope that the Reagan administration will deal directly with urban problems, a broad and growing citizens movement may provide the basis for pressure which will eventually demand action.