Devolution: Where's the revolution?

This study assesses the imparts and implications for U.S. cities of the set of congressional actions, presidential orders, and judicial decisions whic h, together, comprise the so-called "devolution revolution." Based on a sur vey of chief administrative officers of all cities with a population over 1 00, 000, the study attempts to assess the impacts of these various devoluti on policies. Although for a few local officials, devolution policies are se en as being effective; for most, these policies are viewed as having had ve ry little significant policy or programmatic consequences. The study identi fies the characteristics of those cities where focal officials believe devo lution policies are, and are not, having significant imparts and concludes that the most important long-term implications of devolution policies may b e the impacts they are having and will continue to have, on the changing po litical and administrative leadership skills required in the urban arena.