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This paper reflects the perspective that the initial objective in the formulation of urban policy should be melioration of the condition of the urban black poor. Four major strategies are being considered by the Carter Administration in its effort to formulate a national urban policy. The paper discusses them briefly and then considers the role of urban black leadership in the development of an effective national urban policy.

The analysis of urban black politics requires examining both the magnitude of the problems confronting black office holders at the municipal level and the politico-social context within which black leadership seeks to confront these problems. With regard to the former, typically cities with black leadership are older, poorer, and blacker than most in the United States. Problems of poverty long predate black political ascendancy and are usually not mitigated by federal or state income transfer policies. These problems have a ripple effect, hurting ghetto business, black and white, and diminishing choice with regard to housing, education and health care. With regard to understanding the socio-political context within which urban black leadership is exercised, the important factors are: (a) the political and moral inaccessibility of certain policies theoretically available to white leadership (for example, the "planned shrinkage" of low income communities via cuts in service as an alternative to citywide cuts in services); (b) the fiscal strain of varying degrees of severity; (c) the apportioning of power among city offices as reflected in the structure of city government; (d) the character of state and federal initiatives; and (e) racism as it is manifested in institutional and affective forms. This paper explicates each of these factors, addressing the policy impact of urban black leadership and the capacity of the formal political system to promote ghetto reform.

An analysis of Ur black politics, requiring examination of both the magnitude of the problems confronting black office holders at the municipal level & the politicosocial context within which black leadership seeks to confront these problems is advocated. Regarding the former, cities with black leadership are typically older, poorer, & blacker than most in the US. The important factors considered in understanding the sociopolitical context in which Ur black leadership is exercised are: (1) political & moral inaccessibility of certain policies theoretically available to white leadership; (2) fiscal strain of varying degrees of severity; (3) power apportionment as reflected in city government structure; (4) the character of state & federal initiatives; & (5) institutional & affective racism. Each factor is explicated, & Ur black leadership policy impact & the formal political system's capacity to promote ghetto reform are addressed. A review of the aspects of Ur politics & black political leadership covered by the articles in this volume of The Annals of the American Academy of Political & Social Science is included. 3 Tables. Modified HA.

The initial objective in the formulation of Ur policy should be amelioration of the Ur black poor's condition. Four major strategies then being considered by the Carter Administration in its effort to formulate a national Ur policy include: fiscal policy, social programs, governmental job creation, & curbing of anti-Ur & racially discriminatory practices. The role of Ur black leadership in the development of effective national Ur policy is also considered. Modified HA.