Abstract
Introduces a collection of essays (see abstracts in IRPS No. 84) on policy innovations by US city governments over the last two decades. Contributions address the issues relating to the changing leadership structure & policy choices that city governments need to make due to the steep decline in government grants to cities since 1978. It is suggested that analysis of government operations must recognize the social changes occurring & concurrently adjust the resultant research assumptions. These changes include: the end of government growth, the lack of distinctions between the two traditional political parties, the growth of organized groups, the decrease in voter turnout, taxpayer revolts, & a new generation of leaders developing creative approaches to government services. 7 References. M. Greenberg