Summary

The federal government has long assumed the role of making up the shortfall between increasing demands on the part of urban residents, and decreasing revenues accruing to municipalities. This role is today challenged by an economy beset by stagflation, and a concomitant lack of trust in the efficacy of any governmental action. Perhaps the term ′lean society′ best reflects the present trend. This volume brings together contributions focusing on the conceptualization, characterization, and the possible impact of the ′lean society′ on our cities.