Making Cities Work: Prospects and Policies for Urban America edited by Robert P. Inman

Abstract

The review argues that Making Cities Work, edited by Robert P. Inman, offers a comprehensive and updated analysis of urban success in contemporary American cities. The book’s central argument is that cities thrive when they leverage their economic, social, and infrastructural advantages—such as skilled labor, proximity to resources, and attractive amenities—to foster growth and prosperity. The paper highlights the book’s focus on policy-driven solutions to urban challenges, contrasting it with earlier pessimistic views of city decline. The review praises the book for its depth and relevance, noting that it builds on historical perspectives while providing fresh insights into modern urban dynamics. It emphasizes empirical rigor, particularly in sociological research on cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago. Edward L. Glaeser’s contribution introduces an economic theory linking individual choices with broader urban success. The review positions Making Cities Work as a valuable resource for understanding urban development complexities by blending historical context with contemporary research.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)