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In writing this book, we
are drawing on the experience of many decades of
solving downtown and related urban transportation
problems at very high levels and of observing the
valiant struggles of American cities to survive
and prosper under exceedingly difficult conditions.
Leaders in governments at all levels, the private
sector, and the media need to be fully aware of
the vision for Great Cities, the potential advantages,
the plans, and the required actions, taken as a
whole – “not pick and choose.”
Numerous examples are cited in this book to illustrate
the accomplishments of private-public partnerships
in cities large and small. Individual leaders have
persistently achieved outstanding results through
the combined efforts of the private sector working
cooperatively with governmental officials toward
common goals. Many have demonstrated the Power of
One.
Miracles can happen if only we attack our critical
city and suburban problems with vision, determination,
tenacity, and a comprehensive action program conceived
and implemented by continuous strong private-public
partnerships.
This book identifies the key problems of central
cities and proposes practical solutions that will
solve the human problems of those that have been
ignored, used, and left behind. Building America
as a nation of Great Cities will take strong leadership—public
and private—substantial time to overcome decades
of neglect and a good dose of creativity. It will
be a challenge, but it can be and will be done if
only there is the determination.
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