Vulnerable Communities: Research, Policy, and Practice in Small Cities

Vulnerable Communities explores the challenges faced by smaller cities in the United States, with populations between 20,000 and 200,000, as they navigate change within a globalized economic and cultural order. The book brings together scholars from various disciplines to consider the present condition and future prospects of these cities, offering ground-level analyses and ideas for local leaders engaged in redevelopment work. It emphasizes the need to consider cultural tensions and place-specific conflicts in redevelopment strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Vulnerable Communities delves into the challenges faced by smaller cities in the United States, with populations ranging from 20,000 to 200,000. These cities, similar to larger metropolitan areas, are undergoing significant transformations within a globalized economic and cultural landscape. Many of them have shed their former identities as industrial or commercial hubs and are now grappling with a complex and distinctive blend of economic, social, and civic issues. Unlike larger communities, small cities possess fewer resources but also exhibit unique strengths and weaknesses that shape their experiences.

Vulnerable Communities brings together scholars from diverse fields to explore the current state and future prospects of these smaller American cities. Contributors offer a diverse range of analyses, from ground-level insights to broader examinations of developments that have impacted economically weakened communities. They provide practical ideas for local leaders engaged in redevelopment efforts, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural tensions and place-specific conflicts that can hinder successful redevelopment strategies.

The essays in Vulnerable Communities serve as a reminder to policy makers and academics alike that redevelopment strategies for these communities must be tailored to address their unique challenges and circumstances. They emphasize the need to recognize and value the cultural heritage and diversity of these cities, while also addressing the economic and social disparities that contribute to their vulnerability. By acknowledging and addressing these complex factors, policymakers and community leaders can work towards creating more inclusive and sustainable communities for all residents.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 176 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501761546