1st Edition

Challenges in City Management A Case Study Approach

By Becky J. Starnes Copyright 2013
    200 Pages 27 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    City management in developing countries is a quickly growing area in current public administration literature. However, little research material can be found regarding the management of cities. Demonstrating the issues in this field, Challenges in City Management: A Case Study Approach brings the sometimes dry theories and concepts of urban planning and management to life. The author uses case studies to demonstrate "who," "what," "why," and "how," dramatically increasing readers’ ability to comprehend and apply the theories.

    Incorporating urban management and organizational management theories with actual practice, the author presents case studies based on observations made during her extensive experience. She offers multiple examples of common contemporary city topics ranging from personnel, policy-making, housing, homelessness, transportation, and budgeting. Each study describes and analyzes a scenario, identifying the economic and political factors as well as the often conflicting players and interest groups.

    The book provides enhanced understanding of the complex environment city administrators work in, helping readers develop improved decision-making and problem-solving skills through the study of real issues city administrators have experienced. The case study methodology used supplies information that is immediately applicable to real-world situations, making it a resource that city administrators can use to improve their public administration and governance skills.

    Introduction
    Book Introduction
    Overview of Chapters
    References for Chapter 1

    City-State Relationships and City Charters
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Case 2-1
    Case 2-1: The Clarksville City Charter
    Introduction to Case 2-2
    Case 2-2: The Quest for Home Rule
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Urban Redevelopment
    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: Welcome to Blightville
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note

    Authority and Power
    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: It is My Property and You Can’t Have It
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Policy Making
    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: Government Bans Synthetic Drugs
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Personnel Management
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Cases 6-1 and 6-2
    Case 6-1: City Employees Underpaid
    Case 6-2: Longevity Pay
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Electrical Utilities
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Case 7-1
    Case 7-1: Clarksville Department of Electricity
    Introduction to Case 7-2
    Case 7-2: The Power Board
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Traffic Congestion
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Case 8-1
    Case 8-1: We Want This! We Don’t Want This!
    Introduction to Case 8-2
    Case 8-2: Heavy Industrial Expansion at your Backdoor
    Chapter Conclusion
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Funding of Nonprofit Organizations
    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: A Sore Subject
    References and Author’s Note
    Recommended Readings

    Housing and Shelter Issues
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Case 10-1
    Case 10-1: Lack of Housing Options
    Introduction to Case 10-2
    Case 10-2: Providence Pointe
    Introduction to Case 10-3
    Case 10-3: A Homeless Collaboration
    Conclusion
    References and Author’s Notes
    Recommended Readings

    Finance and Accounting Management
    Chapter Introduction
    Introduction to Case 11-1
    Case 11-1: Outlaws at Outlaw Field
    Introduction to Case 11-2
    Case 11.2: Funding Challenges of Shared Governance—Outlaw Field
    References
    Recommended Readings

    Airport Authority

    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: Airport Authority or Slum Lord
    References
    Recommended Readings

    Animal Welfare and Control
    Chapter Introduction
    Case Introduction
    The Case: Oowww-Doggie
    References
    Recommended Readings
    Glossary

    Biography

    Becky Starnes has a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy from Auburn University/Auburn University Montgomery. She has over 30 years of experience working at the city, state, and federal levels of government. Dr. Starnes is currently an associate professor of Public Management at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee.