The Future of Cities: Essays Based on a Series of Lectures Sponsored by the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau

(Paperback)

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This book commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau, a private, non-profit organization which conducts independent, non-partisan research on issues facing Worcester's municipal government. In this book are lectures from the "Future of Cities" series (winter and spring 1995) sponsored by the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau. This series examines the proper functions of local government and explores how these functions can be carried out efficiently and responsibly. The essays focus on the shift of power from the federal and state governments back to the local level. Attention is given to the main ideas behind this emerging trend, including promoting accountability and "re-empowering" the local citizenry. Each speech addresses a different aspect of the prospects and problems of urban life during the next decade. Speakers include Professor Marc Landy (Boston College Political Science Department) and John Fund (editorial writer at the Wall Street Journal). Discussants include (all political scientists): Professor Daniel Mahoney (Assumption College); Professor David Schaefer (Holy Cross College); Professor Dennis Hale (Boston College); and Professor Hadley Arkes (Amherst College). The essays in this book will appeal to students and scholars of political science, federalism, and local government. Anyone interested in the future of our government and its effects on us as citizens, will surely want a copy of this thoughtful and penetrating set of essays.

Reviews

This fine volume enriches the current enthusiasm to revive, restore and reinvent local government by grounding it in solid principles and prudent practice. De Tocqueville's vision is skillfully applied to current issues. -- John A. Rohr, Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech
An interesting mix of views on reinventing local government, restoring community in local communities, and reviving local citizenship in an era of fiscal devolution. -- John Kincaid, Lafayette College
An interesting mix of views on reinventing local government, restoring community in local communities, and reviving local citizenship in an era of fiscal devolution. -- John Kincaid, Lafayette College
This fine volume enriches the current enthusiasm to revive, restore and reinvent local government by grounding it in solid principles and prudent practice. De Tocqueville's vision is skillfully applied to current issues. -- John A. Rohr, Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech

Author Bio

David Schaefer is Professor of Political Science at Holy Cross College. Roberta Rubell Schaefer has been the Executive Director of Worcester Municipal Research Bureau since 1985.