In this book, David L Imbroscio urges that urban political economy must move forward beyond the question of 'what is?' to a consideration of 'what might be'. He systematically poses the possibilities for reconstructing the nature of contemporary city politics, while integrating a wealth of innovative urban analysis. The author explores three alternative urban economic development strategies: entrepreneurial mercantilism, community-based economic development and municipal enterprise. He considers whether these strategies are likely to be effective for bringing about urban economic vitality and whether it is feasible for cities to pursue these efforts in the current political economic context. By addressing these questions, Imbroscio reaches conclusions about the possibilities for a successful and sustainable reconstruction of US city politics.