When formulating a national urban policy, it is vital both to address the important role that cities play in the livability and the economy of metropolitan regions and to confront the concerns of the communities in those cities and regions over problems such as crime, unemployment, and urban decay. To understand more fully the complex nature of these problems and their impact on one another, members of the policy community require superior research and an open dialogue with the academic community. The purpose of a journal such as Cityscape—and this issue in particular—is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives on some of our most pressing issues.
The debate is not limited to cities in this country alone; urbanization is a worldwide trend. In fact, it is estimated that by the year 2025 almost 5 billion people—62 percent of the global population—will live in urban areas. Since trends and problems are shared on a global basis, the search for solutions should take place on a world scale as well. That search is the purpose of Habitat II, the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements, which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, June 3–14, 1996. At Habitat II, also known as the City Summit, political and social leaders from more than 150 nations will discuss concerns associated with the increasing urban population.
The dialogue assembled in this issue of Cityscape is designed to augment U.S. participation in Habitat II. The issue highlights some of the major concerns about economic growth, crime control, and community empowerment facing our urban areas. The articles were first presented at two roundtables cosponsored by the Social Science Research Council and HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research, with additional funding from the Ford Foundation. The combined effort of these organizations demonstrates both the seriousness of the issues and the promising contribution that cooperation between the policy and academic realms can make to the search for solutions. I hope that you find the articles stimulating, and that they prompt thoughtful responses and enlightening dialogue on the future of our communities, both in the United States and throughout the world.
Michael A. Stegman
Assistant Secretary for Policy
Development and Research
