ABSTRACT
This chapter sets forth a research agenda for the study of middle income African Americans and the impact of extreme urban decline and public sector contraction. Cities across the country are facing increasing fiscal challenges which may limit their ability to provide taken for granted public services and support for residents. Previous research in this area has focused heavily on economically disadvantaged African Americans in urban areas. However, middle income African Americans occupy a unique position that is also worthy of additional research. Using Detroit, Michigan, as a case study, this chapter explores several avenues for future research including the impact of public sector contraction on everyday life, responses to public sector contraction, public sector contraction and health, and comparative analyses of public sector contraction.
