Making Cities Work

Making cities work is hard work. This book offers a thoughtful collection of new information and creative solutions that can advance the progress of our cities--and improve the quality of life in our nation. It is a must-read for those who want to lead our cities and help our nation. -- Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania and former mayor of Philadelphia This volume brings together provocative insights from the top urban scholars on how to make American cities better places to live and work. It is a must-read for those who care about cities. -- Alice M. Rivlin, Brookings Institution This essay collection bristles with common sense--and even optimism. Reviewing the successes and failures, the authors conclude that cities need less from federal government, not more. What cities really need is a high quality educational system, a skilled work force, and an efficient, flexible transportation system. If the city gets all that right, it can make the successful transition from manufacturing to a modern service economy. -- Paul Peterson, Harvard University An invaluable contribution that injects data and original research from leading analysts into the theoretical debates about the proper role of cities in today's economy. These essays cut through much of the speculation and guesswork about the causes and consequences of urban distress and give us a much clearer basis for addressing the social and economic issues of urban life over the coming decade. -- Clayton Gillette, New York University School of Law This book is brimming with interesting ideas about how to make cities work better--from improving education and reducing crime to financing city services more effectively. Making Cities Work is sure to stimulate thought about ways to enhance the functioning of urban areas in America. -- John Quigley, University of California, Berkeley An excellent book. Making Cities Work seeks to address a central question: what is it about successful cities that leads to growth and prosperity while other cities stagnate and decline? The unifying characteristics of all the chapters are that they are policy oriented and fairly informal--experts writing with attitude on topics they know well. I learned a lot. -- Brendan O'Flaherty, Columbia University

Brings together some of the leading writers and scholars on urban America to offer perspectives on how to sustain prosperous, livable cities in fast-evolving economy. Drawing on the research in the social sciences, this book explores optimal ways to manage the modern city and proposes solutions to some of the most pressing urban problems.Making Cities Work brings together leading writers and scholars on urban America to offer critical perspectives on how to sustain prosperous, livable cities in today's fast-evolving economy. Successful cities provide jobs, quality schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, effective transportation, and welcoming spaces for all residents. But cities must be managed well if they are to remain attractive places to work, relax, and raise a family; otherwise residents, firms, and workers will leave and the social and economic advantages of city living will be lost. Drawing on cutting-edge research in the social sciences, the contributors explore optimal ways to manage the modern city and propose solutions to today's most pressing urban problems. Topics include the urban economy, transportation, housing and open space, immigration, race, the impacts of poverty on children, education, crime, and financing and managing services. The contributors show how to make cities work for diverse urban constituencies, and why we still need cities despite the many challenges they pose. Making Cities Work brings the latest findings in urban economics to policymakers, researchers, and students, as well as anyone interested in urban affairs. In addition to the editor, the contributors are David Card, Philip J. Cook, Janet Currie, Edward L. Glaeser, Joseph Gyourko, Richard J. Murnane, Witold Rybczynski, Kenneth A. Small, and Jacob L. Vigdor.