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Contemporary Urban Planning

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Updated in a new 9th edition, Contemporary Urban Planning provides readers with in-depth coverage of the historic, economic, political, legal, and environmental factors affecting urban planning.


With updated coverage of the Obama administration’s response to the 2009 economic downturn, Levy also addresses the most pressing issues in urban development today - including the subprime mortgage crisis and home foreclosures, federal funding for public transportation, and new standards for “green” buildings.

448 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1988

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About the author

John M. Levy

7 books

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5 stars
52 (25%)
4 stars
76 (37%)
3 stars
62 (30%)
2 stars
12 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Laurie.
542 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2025
This book is very USAmerica focused, so I do wonder how all of the political stuff would apply in Canada. However, overall I think it is very interesting.

The chapters cover a variety of topics in different manners including case studies, historical studies, and comparison analysis. It provides solid overviews on all of the topics covered with concrete real-world examples.

Loved the history stuff. I personally find the history of urban development so interesting, scratches such a cool itch that I have by explaining the way things are right now.
Profile Image for Beccs Gonzalez.
2 reviews
February 18, 2025
Required textbook for my Growth and Sustainable Development of Cities class
This is perfect urban planning book for dummies who are lost in what urban planning really means. it includes the history of planning, city planning movements, and the politics around urban planning and what powers urban planners really have
it’s the perfect introductory textbook that i’m upset i read my second semester of my junior year instead of the first. had i read this book first, i would have been all caught up.
it’s literally the PERFECT textbook.
Profile Image for Liz Hayes.
9 reviews
November 23, 2017
This book was used as the text for an introductory urban planning course in a master of science in real estate program. It is well written and dense. Chapters each stand on their own. This one is a keeper-Routledge does a great job with these sorts of text books.
Profile Image for Peter.
70 reviews
April 8, 2019
Book one of my AICP exam study material. A good survey of history, themes, and practice of planning in America.
...I hope, anyway.
Profile Image for Jules.
18 reviews4 followers
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January 17, 2021
Very useful book for overview of the planning profession or preparing for AICP exam. An engaging and thought provoking read.
2 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
At the edge of my seat from page one til the end
Profile Image for Hatim.
18 reviews
May 4, 2025
How strange to say a textbook is a good read. It's urban planning, so there's an upper limit, but this textbook does a good job on emphasizing the most interesting parts of the subject matter.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
29 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2009
This is one of my textbooks. The content's wonderful, but I can't get over the typos and grammatical errors throughout it - $80 for a USED book, so you'd think someone would proofread it. Boo.

Good book though. Simple and informative.
Profile Image for Doron.
26 reviews
July 17, 2007
A much better and more manageable book then the "Green Book"
Profile Image for Val.
5 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2014
This book helped me through studying for the AICP exam. This book is a great resource, and easy to read!
Profile Image for Eliz L.
129 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2014
good for aicp studying. nice overview of multiple topics.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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