Urban Politics and Power ─ A Reader

This reader for courses in political science, urban politics, and urban governance gathers classic and contemporary readings, written by scholars, politicians, journalists, activists, exploring politics in American cities in 20th and 21st centuries. The readings are organized chronologically and highlight the role of societal change in fostering political change in cities, while also looking at how individuals make a difference in local governance at both the elite and grassroots levels. The book begins with several readings offering an overview of cities in the global era. The next section explores the formation of urban politics with material on machine politics and reform politics. A section on urban politics under stress discusses suburbanization, deindustrialization, race and protest, and urban decay. Chapters on the politics of urban revitalization explore federal policy, grassroots activism, and regime politics. A section deals with the changing dynamics of urban politics, tackling issues such as race, ethnicity, and immigration. The final section presents visions of urban politics and urban governance today. Short chapter introductions offer historical, conceptual, and theoretical context for the readings, and chapter conclusions look at implications for public policy. Each reading ends with discussion questions and a list of government and organizational web sites. Black and white photos are included. Annotation c2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)