Intergovernmental perspective of African-American mayors, 1978-1984

Christopher Barry Mobley, Purdue University

Abstract

The thesis addresses the question of the intergovernmental and fiscal adjustments which were required of African-American mayors of cities with populations of 50,000 or greater in 1985. In examining adjustments in intergovernmental revenues from state governments and the federal government, own-source revenues, and activity in the municipal bond market, the period 1978 to 1984 was marked by major readjustments in the light of federal reductions in aid to cities and states, beginning during the last two years of the Carter administration and continuing throughout Ronald Reagan's first term. An additional consideration in addressing these concerns is in taking into account the state of urban African-American politics. During the period 1978-1984, the dominant mode of governance for African-American mayors was attempting to cope with intergovernmental adjustments. This was made even more difficult by splits within the African-American political community with respect to generational and policy emphases. The thesis asserts that a second generation of African-American majors, elected immediately before and during this period, were more likely to govern in a mode emphasizing economic development and coping with fiscal distress.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Caputo, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Political science|Black studies|African American Studies

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