Introduction and overview -- The role of political economy in the study of urban policy -- Toward a cultural model of urban politics -- Methodological problems in the study of progressive politics -- Testing explanations of progressive policy outcomes -- Comparative case analysis -- A cultural explanation of progressive local politics -- The challenge of urban policy analysis in a global age -- References
Summary
Why do some U.S. cities like Seattle and Boston impose social exactions and sustainability targets on private investment while others like Las Vegas and Houston offer property tax and fee remissions to business, tolerate environmentally hazardous activities such as oil drilling, and express skepticism even about recycling mandates?? The behavior of the former cities appears especially puzzling in view of globalization processes that seemingly offer many more options to mobile capital and expose cities' vulnerability to private investment decisions.? Cultural Contradictions examines the paradox
