ABSTRACT: Much attention has been focused on devolution of federal functions to states and localities; yet, little devolution is evident. Many forces are generating interest in devolution, but opposition remains potent. Meanwhile, a bipartisan process of de facto devolution involving a defunding of urban programs has been under way for two decades. De facto devolution has been driven predominantly by a shift in federal policy making from places to persons whereby the political incentives for federal officials now lie more in responding to the rights and interests of individuals than to the prerogatives and interests of state and local governments. This article, therefore, examines forces for and against devolution; the devolution records of Congress, the presidency, and the Supreme Court; de facto devolution in the context of federal emphases on persons; and implications for cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Urban Studies, Sociology and Political Science, Political science, Public administration, Urban planning, and Urban policy
Abstract
The Act establishing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1965 articulated a broad mission for the new cabinet-level department: The Congress hereby declares that the gener...
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