Reforming Philadelphia, 1682-2022

Reforming Philadelphia explores the cyclical efforts of insurgents to change the city's government over 350 years, focusing on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It evaluates the terms of Mayors Frank Rizzo, Wilson Goode, and Ed Rendell, as well as John Street, Michael Nutter, and Jim Kenney, to illustrate how power and resistance function and how Philadelphias political history and reform cycles offer a conceptual model for other cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

Reforming Philadelphia delves into the enduring efforts of insurgents to reshape the governance of the city over a span of nearly 350 years. Political scientist Richardson Dilworth closely follows these reformers as they strive to create a new purpose for the city or adapt the government to reflect emerging ideas. Some aim to dismantle the "corrupt machine," while others seek to seize control of the government through electoral means. These actors form alliances and organizations to disrupt the established order, driven by the hope of transforming the city and potentially enriching themselves.

Dilworth's comprehensive examination spans Philadelphia's early development, from its new city charter in 1885 to the emergence of the Republican machine around the same time, and its subsequent transition to a Democratic stronghold in the 1950s, coinciding with a significant racial transition. With a primary focus on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Dilworth evaluates the terms of mayors such as Frank Rizzo, Wilson Goode, and Ed Rendell, as well as John Street, Michael Nutter, and Jim Kenney, to illustrate how power and resistance operate, and how Philadelphia's political history and reform cycles offer a valuable conceptual model that can be applied to other cities.

Reforming Philadelphia offers a fresh perspective on the intricate interplay between national politics and local, city politics. It sheds light on the cyclical nature of these efforts, highlighting the diverse strategies employed by reformers and the complex dynamics that shape political landscapes. Through its detailed analysis, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by cities seeking to improve their governance and address social, economic, and political issues. Whether one is a policymaker, researcher, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of urban politics, Reforming Philadelphia is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439920077