City Planning

PROVIDENCE. R.I --Local governments must direct the rebuilding of America's cities, but only "large infusions of federal aid" can alleviate urban poverty an expert on cities said yesterday.

Before assuming a lead role local governments must overcome a lendency to dwell on ineffective short term planning, said An thony Downs, a Bookings Institution economist, author and consultant on urban affairs.

"Most elected officials have very shorttern horizons. Their proper function is to help their community get through to the nest election with minimal conflict." Downs said