Halfway to Everywhere A Portrait of America's First Tier Suburbs

Painting a picture of America's first-tier suburbs -- those surrounding large central cities -- that were left behind during the extraordinary revitalisation of downtowns in the 1990s, this book highlights the places where many of the nation's most critical issues such as education reform, immigration and diversity, economic restructuring, neighbourhood planning, and social exclusion are played out on a daily basis. Focusing on the unique and substantial assets these places have to offer and highlighting the enthusiasm and commitment of the people who live, work, and play there, this book's portrayal of these metropolitan pivot points offers reasons for hope, strategies for rejuvenation, and solutions for local officials, policy makers, developers, and citizens who are looking for ways to revive stressed communities. Woven into the narrative are examples from many communities, including poverty and scandal-afflicted Camden, New Jersey, and East St. Louis, Illinois; a string of tired industrial towns on Chicago's south side; and fiscally destitute Lincoln Heights, Ohio.

William H. Hudnut, Jr. is a former mayor of Indianapolis and Congressman. He is currently a Fellow at the Urban Land Institute.