Urban Neighborhoods in a New Era

This book explores the evolving relationship between economic growth and neighborhood improvement in six North American cities, highlighting a shift in revitalization strategies.

For many years, North American cities have faced challenges stemming from deindustrialization and declining populations, often leading to a singular focus on economic growth in downtown areas. This approach has frequently neglected the needs of neighborhoods, leaving them underserved and struggling. However, Urban Neighborhoods in a New Era presents a collection of insightful studies that highlight a shift in this paradigm, as scholars and political scientists analyze the evolving dynamics in urban revitalization efforts.

This compilation focuses on six cities—Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Toronto—illustrating how key stakeholders, such as politicians and philanthropic organizations, are beginning to recognize the interconnectedness of economic growth and neighborhood improvement. The authors delve into the changing realities faced by university and hospital leaders in central locations, which adds to the complexity of the political landscape while structural inequalities continue to pose challenges. Urban Neighborhoods in a New Era provides a nuanced perspective on these developments.

While acknowledging the ongoing obstacles to community revitalization, the contributors to this volume advocate for the potential to create a more supportive local environment for effective neighborhood policy. By tracing the historical trajectory from earlier redevelopment efforts to the contemporary postindustrial city, this book offers valuable insights into the intricate process of political change and the possibilities for reform in urban settings.