This book commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau, a private, non-profit organization which conducts independent, non-partisan research on issues facing Worcester's municipal government. In this book are lectures from the 'Future of Cities' series (winter and spring 1995) sponsored by the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau. This series examines the proper functions of local government and explores how these functions can be carried out efficiently and responsibly. The essays focus on the shift of power from the federal and state governments back to the local level. Attention is given to the main ideas behind this emerging trend, including promoting accountability and 're-empowering' the local citizenry. Each speech addresses a different aspect of the prospects and problems of urban life during the next decade. Speakers include Professor Marc Landy (Boston College Political Science Department) and John Fund (editorial writer at the Wall Street Journal). Discussants include (all political scientists): Professor Daniel Mahoney (Assumption College); Professor David Schaefer (Holy Cross College); Professor Dennis Hale (Boston College); and Professor Hadley Arkes (Amherst College). The essays in this book will appeal to students and scholars of political science, federalism, and local government. Anyone interested in the future of our government and its effects on us as citizens, will surely want a copy of this thoughtful and penetrating set of essays.