Part One: The State of American Cities

Finding #1: Driven by a robust national economy, cities are fiscally and economically the strongest they've been in a decade

Finding #2: Despite recent gains, cities still face the triple threat of concentrated poverty, shrinking populations, and middle-class flight that began two decades ago

Finding #3: Cities face three fundamental opportunity gaps -- in jobs, education, and housing -- that are critical to reducing poverty and attracting and retaining middle-class families.

Conclusion

Part Two: Closing the Opportunity Gaps

A. Closing the Jobs Gap

B: Closing the Education Gap

C: Closing the Housing Gap

D: Creating Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities

E: Moving Beyond Business as Usual

Conclusion

Appendix: President's FY 1999 Budget -- Highlights for Cities

List of Exhibits

Endnotes