With an ever increasing proportion of the world's population inhabiting
urban environments, the management of cities remains a perennial
challenge for governments and policymakers. This concise, but
wide-ranging text makes sense of the multiple ways in which urban issues
and problems have been defined and addressed in different places at
different times. From initiatives that focus on social tensions within
the urban realm, to those which seek to develop cities as economic
entities, the book provides an accessible discussion and critique of
some of the key approaches that have characterised urban policy across
the globe. Providing case studies of urban policy actions, explanations
of key concepts, and succinct chapter summaries, this unique
introductory text is invaluable reading for both students and
practitioners who are new to the area of urban policy, and who wish to
understand and assess policy responses to the challenges posed by urban
living and lifestyles.