The Adapted City: Institutional Dynamics and Structural Change (Cities and Contemporary Society)

Previous categorizations of urban structures have included the "political city" (traditional elected mayor/city council governance) and the "administrative city" (city manager appointed by city council). The authors of The Adapted City argue, however, that in recent years most cities have adapted and changed their structures so much to accommodate contemporary demands that the traditional models no longer reflect reality. It is time for a new paradigm -- hence their development of the model of the adapted city. The book provides rich detail and numerous case studies that show how actual cities have changed and adapted their structures to fit changing times and citizen demands; and while The Adapted City includes solid historical background on the reasons for urban change and adaptation, its primary strength is its focus on the implications for flourishing urban life and politics in the future. This groundbreaking book will change the way that scholars and the urban policy community think about cities and urban political structures. Future research on the practice of city management will rest on the new foundation established by this authoritative volume. Book jacket.