The Regional City: Governance and Competitiveness in Pittsburgh

Abstract

This chapter highlights recent developments in urban and regional governance in the United States. It develops a theme covered in Vice President Al Gore’s 1997 seminar series, “Community 2020: A New Future for the American City.” The seminars have identified the need for effective policies for sustainable development, crime reduction, educational betterment and improved race relations. However, the following concentrates on the seminar theme of cities as important regional hubs where public—private partnerships contribute to economic competitiveness. The Pittsburgh case illustrates the strengthening ties between local and regional economic development policies and the efforts of the public and private sectors to promote regional growth through complex policy networks.