The future of urban areas: crisis or power struggle?

Cities are important as centers for universities and financial institutions. Museums, theaters and other cultural centers are often located there. But citizens of many cities are mainly black or brown. Government neglect, flight of the more affluent citizens and loss of jobs and taxes have produced a social and economic crisis in these urban areas. The economic activity as a result of so-called urban riots does not always benefit the poor as land changes hands under the various programs. Removal of the urban poor through gentrification and decentralization of schools are analyzed as part of a power struggle for the control of the valuable cities.