Patterns of Federal Urban Spending

A review of federal expenditures between 1983 and 1992 is presented in this study of per capita spending in central cities and their metropolitan suburbs. The Census Bureau provides data for 41 of the nation's metropolitan areas, of which 7 central cities are defined as county units of government and analyzed in greater detail. In constant dollars, central cities led suburbs in per capita receipt of federal funds; however, suburbs generally received an increase in their relative shares. In central cities, grants-in-aid increased but changed to entitlements directed to individuals.