Joseph A. Rodriguez critically examines the urban design and revitalization initiatives undertaken by both the government and the people of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the 1990s, New Urbanists followed a city tradition of using urban design to solve problems while seeking to elevate the city’s national reputation and status. While New Urbanism was not the only design element undertaken to further Milwaukee’s redevelopment, the elite focus on New Urbanism reflected an attempt to fashion a self-help narrative for the revitalization of the city. This approach linked New Urbanist design to the strengthening of grassroots community organizing and volunteerism to solve urban problems. Bootstrap New Urbanism: Design, Race, and Redevelopment in Milwaukee uncovers a practice with implications for urban history, architectural history, planning history, environmental design, ethnic studies, and urban politics.

"Rodriquez does not pull punches about practices and attitudes that reinforced racial segregation and inequality. . . .Rodriguez raises important questions and avoids facile solutions. . . .I found this book refreshingly honest and fair. Rodriquez acknowledges success stories without boosterism. As the city and county grapple with diminished budgets and recurring challenges, it can be helpful to place those issues within a historical context." - The Bay View Compass