During the 1970s, accelerating change accompanied by dramatic developments in finance, technology and energy usage had a profound impact on the processes of urban development throughout the Western world.

Why Cities Change explores the relationship between urban growth and economic change in Sydney, particularly ini the 1970s. It concentrates on the major productive sectors of economic activity and investigates the various roles of government - local, state and federal. The social consequences of urban change are considered, and policy options evaluated. Sydney is the focus of the book as a particularly interesting example of patterns and problems to be found in most major Western cities.

This book was first published in 1982.