This book investigates the complex processes by which municipal governments set their priorities in the early 1980s. It examines the interplay of political, economic, and social factors that shape decision-making in urban environments during this period. The authors draw on case studies and analyses of budgetary and policy documents to present a framework for understanding these dynamics.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of urban governance and public administration. It offers a detailed, empirically grounded analysis of municipal decision-making processes during a critical period of fiscal challenge and political change. The book provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners interested in how cities allocate resources and set policy agendas.