It doesn't contain much that's new, but Alan Ehrenhalt's New Republic cover story on the increasing affluence of American cities and poverty of inner-ring suburbs makes for interesting reading, and is a useful introduction to the topic. I'd only add that the quality of city schools -- a subject Ehrenhalt doesn't broach -- cannot be overstated as a factor in whether or not middle and upper middle class families choose an urban lifestyle. While the truly affluent can pick among private schools, with tuition approaching that of private universities, most parents simply can't consider them. "Gifted and talented" programs, public charters, and magnet schools are beginning to provide more choice in cities such as New York and Washington, D.C., but in some cases, these options simply segregate more privileged students from their peers within otherwise failing districts. I've argued before for greater partnerships between suburban and urban school districts -- where geographically feasible -- in order to expand high quality options for all parents and students. Along those lines, check out this Times op-ed advocating for the federal government to dismantle the department of Housing and Urban Development in favor of a new agency devoted to regional planning and cooperation between cities and suburbs. --Dana Goldstein
