Towards a National Policy for Neighborhoods: A Conversation between a Policy Maker and a Social Scientist

Abstract

T he following is a simulation of a private conversation between a member of the White House domestic policy staff and a prominent urban research specialist on the topic of a national policy for neighborhoods. The conversation was prompted by the release of the National Commission on Neighborhoods report to the President on their 15month, million dollar search for new policies and programs for neighborhoods.' The policy maker requested expert advice on how to develop policy and programmatic guidelines for short and long range, coherent, and effective policies for the renewal, revitalization, and stabilization of urban neighborhoods. Advice was being sought both about what social science does and does not know about neighborhoods, and whether there can be any guidance on the positive or negative implications of such a policy. The urban expert was asked, as well, to offer his opinions about any problems such a policy might encounter in implementation. It was understood that there would be no discussion of the niceties of research methodology or statistical tests, of the need for more research, or unnecessary haggling over definitions. The urbanist, in turn, insisted that the policy maker be candid about political pressures, congressional support, and White House enthusiasm for the new policies and programs that might emerge from the conversation.