Toward Understanding the Changing Politics of U.S. Cities: A Political Development Approach

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of where we are politically in a trajectory that begins in the mature industrial city and brings us today well into a post-industrial age. It uses a political development approach to compare the political order of present-day cities with the earlier order that gave priority to redevelopment as a centerpiece in transitioning to post-industrialism. In line with a political development emphasis on political discord, the paper also shows how black political mobilization intersected the redevelopment regime and challenged the “good government” idea of color-free expertise. The post-industrial urban order is characterized by a less active role for corporate business, a greater role for philanthropic foundations, a prominent place for the “ed & med” sector, and a continuing struggle over lay-professional relationships and claims of expertise.