Neighborhood Planning Organizations: Perspectives and Choices

Abstract

Reductions in government expenditures for human services have worsened conditions in lowincome urban neighborhoods at a time when needs are increasing. Despite these conditions, some neighborhood planning organizations have increased in scope and capacity. This article discusses the development, activities, and accomplishments of such organizations and raises questions and choices for practice. The author concludes that, despite accomplishments of neighborhoodplanning organizations, they alone cannot be expected to save urban areasfrom decline, for this requires national policy and intervention in the larger context in which planning operates.