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.