Ralph Conant and Daniel Myers describe the evolution of our urban society, and focus on the problems of governance and inequality that have developed as a result. But they are far more constructive than critical. Conant and Myers offer powerful suggestions for setting urban priorities, improving regional planning, and strengthening citizen participation in metropolitan governance. Conant and Myers also examine the city sociologically as a community. The relationships among the people who live and work in metropolitan areas are at the center of their study. They point toward building and invigorating the communities within metro areas as the critical policy goal for all levels of government. The problems of modern metro areas are complex. However, this book is remarkably straightforward and clear. It is a valuable starting point for understanding the changes in urban life and urban policy in America in the last fifty years. Even more important, Conant and Myers offer us tools to shape the future practice of urban governance and the realities of urban life.-from the forward by Jack A. Goldstone, Hazel Professor of Public Policy, George Mason University.
2006 Copyright
356 Pages
