Power and Prosperity in Urban America

Over the past twenty years, many American cities have experienced comebacks: growing numbers of upper- income residents have relocated to cities; downtowns have been transformed into lively arts and entertainment districts; and crime has fallen. How did cities achieve these transformations? Why were some cities more successful than others? How has the revitalization of cities affected the urban poor? The course will also examine the impact of the “Great Recession” on cities. Did the recession jeopardize recent gains in urban prosperity? How have cities coped with the fiscal strains presented by reduced tax revenues and limits on state and federal assistance?