Presents information, statistical and anecdotal, on the disproportionate involvement of Black youth in crime. Describes the existence of a large, alienated underclass of Black youth, composed of drug pushers and users. Examines political, social, and familial causes of this problem and suggests some solutions. (KH)

In 1982, the Boston Compact attempted to tackle student dropout employment problems. This paper reviews the process of this agreement made by local leaders, traces the creation of a communitywide plan to respond to Boston's school dropout problem, and summarizes Boston's Draft Dropout Prevention Reentry plan. (Author/LHW)

Argues that the poor's plight is likely to worsen as New York City's fiscal crisis is transformed into a service crisis. Asserts that the tendency to close small old schools in areas where densities are higher (which minimizes transportation costs) closes schools that are predominantly attended by poor and minority students. (KH)

Argues that urban decay has created a set of conditions that not only promote the spread of the AIDS virus but also form part of a pattern threatening the health and welfare of all African Americans. Urges an AIDS education and prevention strategy for the survival of the Black community. (AF)

Analyzes factors which have contributed to the poor conditions of large cities: failure of courage to deal with racism; individualism; short-term thinking; political nonaccountability; diversity of peoples and information; loss of faith in leaders and in nation; and threat of nuclear war. Calls for new policy initiatives and outlines an urban…

Contends that the question of what Black Americans call themselves is a nonissue that diverts attention from larger problems without contributing to their solution. Traces widespread crime, poverty, educational failure, and institutional breakdown to the erosion of Black family and community values, and urges the reversal of this trend. (AF)

Introduces a special, 20th-anniversary issue of "Urban Affairs Quarterly." Raises questions concerning the journal's function; the major factors affecting American urban areas; trends and projections for the future; significant policy initiatives; and research needs regarding cities and policymaking. (KH)

Traces the decline of national interest in the problems of cities since the abundance of federal legislation passed in response to the urban crisis of the 1960's. Asserts that, by the 1980's, economic changes had stimulated a new era of private sector domination in American cities. (KH)

The Urban Education Project was implemented to help the National PTA realize its historical commitment to reversing the deterioration of human life in urban centers, especially in schools, and to emphasizing the actual and potential strengths of diverse publics collaborating in dealing with urban problems. Six hearings were held to identify and…

The impact of urban financial crises on the provision of recreational and cultural services for children, primarily by local governments, is explored. Emphasis is on the effects upon California's children's services of Proposition 13, a tax relief initiative limiting property taxes in that State. Data from an Oakland, California, survey are…

Presents brief overview of the development of urban studies, from its origins in the "urban crisis" of the 1960's to the present trend toward study of the terrapolis, the world system of interdependent metropolitan areas. Focuses on the role of "Urban Affairs Quarterly," changing definitions of the "city," and the…

Describes the evolving emphasis of schools of urban planning from concentration on scientific management, beautifying cities, and educating the public in the 1920s to solving the social problems in the 1960s. Calls for a collaboration of business and other professional schools to redefine the function and purpose of urban planning schools to…

Downtown developments have saved some cities from collapse but don't make up for the loss of federal funds, nor do they provide jobs or housing suitable for most inner city residents. Nothing, however, has hurt the inner cities more than drug use. (DM)

The papers in this collection were presented at an international symposium on improving the management of urban research, particularly through city-university collaboration. An introductory framework paper summarizes the range of research services available to local government, the types of urban research activity, and the problems of urban…

Discusses factors which shaped the American city during the last 20 years, including those associated with demography, decreases in public spending on social services, changing international economy, the growing importance of self-interest groups, and the proliferation of urban policy initiatives. Outlines briefly some trends in urban research.…