Cities and the Presidential Election

Federal urban policy has generally consisted of small initiatives and narrowly focused policies. To create real change, and to help cities become strong and competitive, government officials need to think differently about urban policy. At this National Issues Forum, mayors and other experts discussed critical urban issues—transportation, housing, jobs, and crime—and explore what presidential candidates and the federal government should be doing to help cities grapple with these concerns. Ray Suarez, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and author of The Old Neighborhood: What We Lost in the Great Suburban Migration makes a presentation. Oakland mayor and former California governor Jerry Brown gives the keynote address. The Summer 2000 issue of the Brookings Review, which is dedicated to urban policy challenges, is released at the forum. Streaming media from the event is also available.