The Many Geographies of Urban Renewal: New Perspectives on the Housing Act of 1949

The federal Housing Act of 1949 had a significant impact on communities of all sizes, not just large cities. The Many Geographies of Urban Renewal explores the program's effects on various geographies, including large cities, small towns, and suburbs. The book identifies trends and connections that cut across jurisdictional boundaries and examines who used federal funds and how they were used.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

The federal Housing Act of 1949, a landmark legislation aimed at clearing and redeveloping "blighted" areas across the nation, had far-reaching consequences that impacted communities of all sizes, not just large cities. In The Many Geographies of Urban Renewal, a comprehensive exploration of the federal urban renewal program, the experiences of diverse geographies, including large cities like Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, are juxtaposed with smaller cities like Waterville, ME, suburban St. Louis County in Missouri, the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and others.

Chapters within the book identify trends and connections that transcend jurisdictional boundaries, shedding light on who utilized federal funds, how these funds were allocated, and the profound short- and long-term impacts of the program. The essays collectively showcase the unexpected diversity of how different communities approached and utilized the federal urban renewal program, providing a deeper understanding of what is widely regarded as one of the most significant urban policies of the 20th century.

By examining the various geographies involved, The Many Geographies of Urban Renewal offers valuable insights into the complex web of factors that shaped the American landscape during this period. Contributors to the book include esteemed scholars and experts in the field, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table.

This comprehensive and insightful work will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in urban planning, history, and the impact of government policies on communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439921715