An exploration of the dynamics of urban development in American cities since World War II. This book looks at the political and economic interests shaping redevelopment, the social and economic costs of development for the majority of urban residents, and emerging alternative approaches.

Despite some differences in the patterns of development, and in large part because of the shared ideological assumptions, all of these cities have experienced uneven development and severe social costs. The book concludes with a discussion of promising policy alternatives to the corporate growth orientation that has been dominant over the past four decades.