Updated in its 7thedition,American Urban Politicsprovides historical context and contemporary commentaries on the economy, politics, culture and identity of American cities. Bringing together a selection of readings that represent some of the most important trends and topics in urban scholarship today this seventh edition examines the ability of highly autonomous local governments to grapple with the serious challenges of recent years, challenges such as the stresses of the lingering economic crisis, and a series of recent natural disasters.