`This particular volume provides significant insights for future research from the standpoints of sociologists and political scientists...in reviewing important past research as well as suggesting potential areas of future research, will play critical and important linkage between basic research and policy oriented endeavors.' -- Perspective, Vol 11 No 7, September 1982 `...the book provides a valuable and comprehensive summary of the state of the art of this subject...a necessary reference book for students of urban politics and political decision making...this volume constitutes a real contribution to the area of urban political structures, their formation and functioning...' -- Annals of Regional Science, March