ABSTRACT
This chapter looks objectively at the major assets and deficits of the Central Business District (CBD) in terms of the two stated perspectives. It attempts to pose some reasons for the many problems and trends which are affecting the CBD. The chapter focuses on the public policy which should be adopted for the American central business district. The central business district is an outstanding asset for at least two reasons: first, it contains a concentration of activities and employment, and it exerts control over the urban fabric. Second, it has symbolic, cultural, and historical value. The cultural and historical value of downtown is equally impressive. It contains the great hotels, restaurants, night clubs, movie houses, and theaters. In short, it is the distinctive attribute of the metropolis. The subdivisions and industrial parks look much the same from city to city, but the downtown is different.
