<P>Before the interstates, Main Street America was the small town¿s commercial spine and served as the linchpin for community social solidarity. Yet, during the past three decades, a series of economic downturns has left many of the great small cities barely viable. <I>American Hometown Renewal</I> is the first book to combine administrative, budgetary, and economic analysis to examine the economic and fiscal plight currently facing America¿s small towns. Featuring a blend of theory, applications, and case studies, it provides a comprehensive, single-source textbook covering the key issues facing small town officials in today¿s uncertain economy. </P>