Frank J. Costa & Robert B. Kent 
Regional Development and Planning for the 21st Century [PDF ebook] 
New Priorities, New Philosophies

Regional Development and Planning for the 21st Century examines a number of related themes including: the traditional approach of local and regional planning initiatives developed within the context of national goals; the current decline of bi-polar political and ideological blocs; political decentralization and concurrent economic centralization including the growth of multi-national corporations; devolution of centralized planning powers to regions and localities, and the rise and acceptance of sustainable development concepts. The book is divided into five parts addressing: 1 – adjustments to political, economic and social change; 2 the problems of urban housing and housing and health; 3 – adjustments to environmental change, development policies and sustainability; 4 – the problem of rapid urban growth and mega cities; 5 – adjustments of changing urban networks. The contributors are from several countries worldwide and the chapters examine the issues at a global level.