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City Choices argues that both economic concerns and political factors can be synthesized in a new framework in city policymaking. This synthesis is based on a systematic empirical study of policymaking in two large cities. Using numerous governmental documents and conducting extensive interviews with local, state, and federal officials, the author examines how the two cities have implemented both federal redistributive and development programs in education and housing.
The author uses three models in explaining city choices: "economic constraint"; "clientele participation"; and "institutional diversity" and concludes by offering his "political choice" perspective, which identifies specific sets of local political forces that are likely to alter the city's rational choices in development and redistributive issues.
"This stands out from other work in this area in that it addresses case study evidence from all three of the main competing perspectives on the topic rather than from a single theoretical vantage point. Wong's revelation of the complex pattern of policy determinants which emerges from the interaction of political and economic factors is likely to strike readers as new and suggestive." — Richard Rich, Virginia Tech
Preface
Introduction. The Debate on Making City Choices
Part I. Urban Development and Redistribution
1. Economic Challenge in American Cities
2. In Pursuit of A Housing Strategy
3. Coping With Fiscal Reality in School Districts
Part II. City Politics and Policy Choices
4. Black Representation and Redistributive Policy
5. Diversity in Local Institutions
6. Diversity in Policy Choices
Part III. Beyond the Debate
7. Toward A "Political Choice" Perspective
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Index