National Urban Policy: Is a New Day Dawning?

Title: National Urban Policy: Is a New Day Dawning?
Location: Woodrow Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 5th Floor Conference Room
Link out: Click here
Description: The Congress Project and The Comparative Urban Studies Project of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars cordially invite you to a seminar

“National Urban Policy: Is a New Day Dawning?”

National attention to the problems of American cities has waxed and waned over the years. Following World War II, Congress enacted the Housing Act of 1949 which established a national goal of a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family. Among other things, the Act provided low interest grants and loans to construct homes for low- and moderate-income families in the blighted areas of the cities. In subsequent amendments to the Act in 1954, Congress made the first major attempt to shape the future of cities by establishing an urban renewal grant program—all without explicitly stating it was formulating an urban policy. While federal aid to local governments and cities doubled between 1962 and 1977, it shrank dramatically in ensuing years due to changing intellectual and fiscal realities. Despite the current recession, high unemployment, and huge deficits being run at all levels of government, the Obama Administration has promised a renewed emphasis on revitalizing American cities, starting with the creation of a new White House Office on Urban Affairs to develop and coordinate creative and comprehensive new approaches. Economic recovery monies are being funneled into vitally needed urban projects, creating new jobs in the process. This seminar will explore the prospects for success in an area historically plagued by failures and frustrations.
Start Time: 15:00
Date: 2010-01-25
End Time: 17:00