Inside Game/Outside Game: Winning Strategies for Saving Urban America

by David Rusk

For the past three decades, the federal government has targeted the poorest areas of American cities with a succession of antipoverty initiatives, yet these urban neighborhoods continue to decline. According to David Rusk, focusing on programs aimed at improving inner-city neighborhoods--playing the "inside game"--is a losing strategy. Achieving real improvement requires matching the "inside game" with a strong "outside game" of regional strategies to overcome growing fiscal disparities, concentrated poverty, and urban sprawl. In this persuasive book filled with personal observations as well as his trademark mastery of census statistics, Rusk argues that state legislatures must set new "rules of the game." He believes those rules require regional revenue or tax base sharing to reduce fiscal disparity, regional housing policies to ensure that all new developments have their fair share of low- and moderate-income housing to dissolve concentrations of poverty, and regional land-use planning and growth management to control urban sprawl. State government action, Rusk argues, is particularly crucial where regions are highly fragmented by many competing city, village, and township governments. He provides vivid success stories that demonstrate best practices for these regional strategies along with recommendations for building effective regional coalitions. A Century Foundation Book

Genres: Nonfiction

402 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen]

David Rusk's "Inside Game/Outside Game: Winning Strategies for Saving Urban America" offers a thought-provoking analysis of the failures of federal antipoverty initiatives over the past three decades and presents a compelling argument for a new approach to rejuvenating America's urban neighborhoods. Rusk navigates the complexities of urban decline by differentiating between "inside game" strategies—those focused on city-specific policies—and "outside game" strategies, which emphasize regional approaches. His insights are vital for understanding how we can effectively tackle the urgent challenges facing urban America today.

One of Rusk's most striking observations is that despite numerous federal interventions aimed at alleviating poverty, urban neighborhoods have continued to deteriorate. This persistent decline underscores that the root causes of urban poverty are broader than any single initiative can address. Rusk’s assertion that we must look beyond city limits and consider the regional context is particularly salient in today's fragmented political landscape, where multiple governing bodies often create inefficiencies and barriers to effective governance.

Rusk posits that effective regional strategies are essential to combat fiscal disparities, concentrated poverty, and urban sprawl. This perspective is refreshing and necessary, as it suggests that solutions are not just about "fixing" the cities but also about understanding the interconnectedness of urban and suburban areas. The challenges faced by declining neighborhoods are invariably tied to the economic and political dynamics of their surrounding regions. Therefore, integrating regional strategies into urban planning is not just beneficial; it is imperative.

One of the book's most significant contributions is Rusk's advocacy for new "rules of the game" from state legislatures. His recommendations for regional revenue or tax base sharing are critical for addressing the fiscal disparities that often leave urban areas starved of resources. By redistributing wealth within regions, states can ensure that impoverished neighborhoods receive the support they need to thrive. Similarly, Rusk’s call for regional housing policies that promote equitable distribution of low- and moderate-income housing is vital for combating segregation and fostering inclusive communities.

Rusk also emphasizes the importance of regional land-use planning as a means to manage urban sprawl, which exacerbates poverty by draining resources from inner cities. Sprawl not only contributes to environmental degradation but also creates a cycle of disinvestment in urban centers as businesses and residents flee to suburban areas. By implementing coordinated land-use policies, regions can create sustainable growth patterns that benefit all communities, particularly those that have been historically neglected.

The book is replete with success stories that illustrate how combining inside and outside game strategies can lead to meaningful change. These case studies serve as both inspiration and a roadmap for policymakers and community leaders striving to build regional coalitions. Rusk’s examples prove that when cities and surrounding areas work collaboratively, they can address shared challenges, enhance economic stability, and improve the quality of life for all residents.

In a time when urban issues are often politicized, Rusk's call for state action in fragmented regions is both timely and essential. It highlights that addressing urban decline requires not only local but also regional cooperation, long-term vision, and a commitment to equity. In an era where federal aid may be insufficient or inconsistent, Rusk’s plea for state-level intervention could serve as a rallying cry for advocates of urban renewal.

While "Inside Game/Outside Game" is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding urban policy, it also raises important questions about implementation. The challenge of enacting Rusk's proposals in a landscape marked by political divisions and competing interests must not be overlooked. However, the book does an admirable job of laying the groundwork for understanding these complexities and encourages readers to engage in the difficult work of building consensus across regions.

In conclusion, David Rusk’s "Inside Game/Outside Game" deserves a four-star rating for its insightful analysis and practical recommendations for revitalizing urban America. By emphasizing the necessity of combining city-centered and regional strategies, the book provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the multifaceted issues facing urban neighborhoods. Rusk effectively champions the need for new rules that promote cooperation and equity, offering hope and guidance for those committed to saving urban America from further decline. As we navigate the future of our cities, Rusk's work stands as a crucial reminder that lasting change requires collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to rethink the structures that govern our commons.

[Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it was a long read, it was well worth it. It suffered from not wanting to read a work book on weekends, outside of work time :) A snow day was the perfect fix for that. I enjoyed the policy suggestions and the quarry's thrown out for consideration. It was well worth the time and effort to read, even if it is 20+ years old; it is not out of date.

[Chris Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's one of the essential books in the urban planning world. Its street-level portrayal of various communities around America is gritty and real. Probably the closest I'll ever get to riding around Bed-Stuy with cops pointing out the corners where the crack dealers hang out.