President's National Urban Policy Report, 1980: Fid-Bau Portal

President's National Urban Policy Report, 1980

Trends and conditions in urban areas are reviewed, a policy framework is presented, and urban policy directions in the 1980's are considered. In general, both citizens and businesses are on the move within and between metropolitan centers. Cities in the northeast and north - central sections have lost populations both to their suburbs and to southern cities. Many central cities lost jobs during the 1970's, particularly manufacturing jobs. Service and office jobs are now the principal growth sectors of city economies. Poverty levels increased among central city dwellers during the past decade -- especially among blacks and female - headed households. While housing has generally improved in these areas, abandonment and deterioration remain major problems. Those cities most in need of community service are those under the most severe financial strain. Rapid growth among suburbs has continued through the 1970's, but the focus has shifted toward fringe areas, and many older suburbs are facing urban distress. Nonmetropolitan area growth will continue in the 1980's at a moderate rate. Small to medium - size metropolitan areas are most conducive to transportation energy conservation and to reducing air pollution. Urban planning guidance should focus on the development of these areas. Limited housing choices have continued to restrict minorities to central city areas and poorer neighborhoods; flight to the suburbs has sometimes acted to create new segregated neighborhoods. As the governmental level most capable of equalizing funding among cities of varying economic strength, the Federal government should assume a greater role in this area. Urban policy action is required in three areas: (1) strengthening urban economies, (2) increasing equality of opportunity, and (3) guiding urban development. Extensive tabular data, figures, pictures, maps, and a 15 - page bibliography are included.