The Reagan Urban Policy and its Impacts

Abstract

The intent and effectiveness of the Reagan administration's urban policies have been the focus of much debate. This article analyzes Reagan's first-term urban policies and assesses their effects. Changes in budgetary requests, authorizations, and outlays during Reagan's first term are tracked for the full spectrum of urban programs. An attempt is also made to analyze the spatial and programmatic consequences of the changes in expenditure levels. Determination of the success or failure of the Reagan administration's urban policies is largely dependent on who is asking the questions and how they are asked.