Fixing Broken Cities: The Implementation of Urban Development Strategies

by John Kromer

Through the insightful lens of an experienced practitioner, this book describes the origin, execution, and impact of urban repopulation strategies―initiatives designed to attract residents, businesses, jobs, shoppers, and visitors to places that had undergone decades of decline and abandonment. The central question throughout the strategies explored in the book is who should benefit? Who should benefit from the allocation of scarce public capital? Who should enjoy the social benefits of urban development? And who will populate redeveloped areas? Kromer provides realistic guidance about how to move forward with strategic choices that have to be made in pursuing the best opportunities available within highly disadvantaged, resource-starved urban areas. Each of the cases presents strategies that are strongly influenced by geography, economics, politics, and individual leadership, but they address key issues that are major concerns enlivening downtowns, stabilizing and strengthening neighborhoods, eliminating industrial-age blight, and providing quality public education options.

326 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2009

Reviews

[Natalie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in conjunction with Kromer's class about housing policy recently, for which it was an excellent companion piece. The narrative tone of the book makes it a refreshing read compared to my other textbooks and it excellently covered a large portion of the history of Philadelphia's economic development and housing challenges over the past few decades. This book made me truly appreciate living in this city and excited to learn even more about some specific areas that were highlighted - like Allentown's transformation.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

the monstrosity of little stalins: those broken cities are not some ”act of god”, they are the results of decades of kromers ”fixing” aspects at somebody else's expense.

[Dennie Zastrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this. Kromer successfully uses his experience to create a smart analysis of the challenges facing urban renewal programs. I loved the focus on Philadelphia.