Urban Issues in the Late 1970's: A Metropolitan Perspective. (RE-ANNOUNCEMENT of PB85-127025-see notes field for explanation)

摘要

Trends in the deteriorating quality of life in urban areas can be positively influended through strategic actions by local and State governments as well as the Federal Government. The 1970's have seen the continuing exodus of more prosperous middle - income citizens and business enterprises from urban areas, thus diminishing important urban resources, while leaving behind a population increasingly in need of these resources. In many urban areas, this has led to an imbalance between available resources and evident needs, and the result has been the increasing incidence of fiscal distress. This distress has been exacerbated by the inefficiencies of fragmented and uncoordinated government at all levels. These trends are evident in the deterioration of services, housing, and neighborhoods, and their effects have fallen disproportionately on the shoulders of low - income and minority households and neighborhoods. In recent years, however, many State and local governments have taken steps toward improving urban government. Examples include new efforts to establish comprehensive State urban growth policies; State - created areawide governmental and planning organizations; and an unprecedented movement toward administrative reorganization, including the creation of Urban - related departments. Federal policy options include short - term alternatives directed at relieving the immediate financial stress of particular urban communities and long - range strategies that would encourage significant structural alterations in the form and responsibilities of urban government.