Future Directions for Federal Urban Policy

ABSTRACT:

Significant changes have occurred in U.S. urban policy since 1980. The Reagan Administration has successfully argued that urban needs should be subordinated to national economic performance, which has resulted in cutbacks in federal support for urban development and reduced federal involvement in local economies. In spite of this lessened role of the federal partner, local capacity for managing its own development is high. Mayors have found the political resources to manage urban conflict, and new groups, such as the nonprofit agencies, have emerged to confront some urban needs like homelessness. In light of this experience and of the continued demands on the national government to address the deficit and the needs of the national economy, urban interests may find it difficult in the future to regain past levels of urban support.