The Institute of Governmental Studies: Publications

Urban Studies/Regional Planning

Alternative Techniques for Managing Growth, 2nd ed.
Irving Schiffman, 1998, 150pp, $15.95, ISBN 0-87772-385-0, book #3850

In this uniquely useful, cutting-edge primer on the planning dilemmas faced by local governments, Schiffman proposes innovative techniques for dealing with land-use management issues and provides sage advice on the politics of adopting land-use measures and fostering community acceptance. His techniques address environmental, social, and economic concerns, and Schiffman gives examples of benefits, limitations, legal status, and specific community uses.

Progrowth Politics: Change and Governance in Houston,
Robert D. Thomas and Richard W. Murray, 1991, 430pp, ISBN
For 150 years, Houston had been a chamber of commerce dream. Unabashed and unremitting progrowth policies put business, industrial development, and profit-taking above all else and showed little concern for environmental, aesthetic, cultural, and social consequences. Then groups outside the progrowth coalition acquired power and forced the city to limit annexations and phase in zoning. As a result, Houston was at a watershed. This important work traces how African Americans, Hispanics, and whites in neighborhoods poorly served by public agencies and impacted by growth challenged the prevailing scheme.

Common Interest Communities: Private Governments and the Public Interest,
Stephen E. Barton and Carol J. Silverman, eds, 1994, 318pp, ISBN 0-87772-359-1, $23.95

More than 35 million Americans live under private governments with sweeping powers.As residents of condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities, they are required to join associations with broad powers over their daily lives. Here, for the first time, experts examine these private governments and describe the bitter conflicts spawned by their strict regulations and forced obligations. Common interest communities manage property, enforce life-styles, provide services, and assess members to finance common expenses. This fascinating book is a must read for planners, property owners, government officials, environmentalists, and anyone who is thinking about investing in a condominium, cooperative, or planned community.

Economic Earthquakes: Converting Defense Cuts to Economic Opportunities,
Patrick Lloyd Hatcher., 1994, 221pp., ISBN 0-87772-357-5, $21.95
California's economy is once again thriving after nearly a decade fueled by sharp cuts in defense spending. In these excellent case studies, Hatcher explains how three out-moded military bases were converted into productive assets.