Cities and Complexity
Making Intergovernmental Decisions

First Edition

Karen Stromme Christensen

Volume: 3

Series:
Cities and Planning

Other Titles in:
Planning (General)

December 1998 | 200 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

This book addresses the mismatch between the assumptions of planning professionals and the actual operations of the intergovernmental system.

Basing her work not only on empirical research but also years of personal experience, Christensen presents a new theory of the underlying structure and dynamics of the US intergovernmental system. It is designed to help planners and policy makers clarify the obstacles to effective action on behalf of the public good.

Planning in a Complex Intergovernmental System

Competing Theories of the US Intergovernmental System

Interactions among Governmental Institutions

Dimensions Structuring the Intergovernmental System

Sectoral Dynamics

Institutionalized Technological Elaboration and Effects on Area Interests

Delusions of Certainty and Their Consequences for Expectations of Government

Conducting Public Policy in Conditions of Uncertainty

Conclusions for the Intergovernmental System

Conclusions for Decision-Making Practice

". . .successfully untangles the complicated intergovernmental system in the U.S. and suggests ways in which planners could take effective actions within the system on behalf of the public good. . .it is a must-read for planning students, practitioners, and policy makers."

Sandeep Kumar

Ryerson Polytechnic University

"Christensen's book is an unpretensiously solid, well reasoned, and worthwhile addition to planning theory. Her astute, nuanced view of government is a welcome corrective to the planners' too common view of the 'public sector' as a simple, unitary entity. . ."

Scott Campbell

University of Michigan

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

You are here

For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option