Back to the Future: New Urbanism and the Rise of Neotraditionalism in Urban Planning

“Karl Besel and Viviana Andreescu show a clear grasp of the changes that have taken place in how Americans [have lived their lives and built] their cities and towns over the last hundred years. In this comprehensive review of recent planning trends, they recognize the impact of technological changes that [affect] city planning, building, and housing and provide good guidance about how to find the path to constructing more livable and healthier communities.” ―James Brainard, Mayor, City of Carmel, IN

“This is a wonderful and fascinating collection that challenges prevailing models of urban development in mid-sized American cities. The book presents various case studies . . . that allow the reader to rethink current and future issues of urban planning and the nature of socioeconomic development at the center of American society.” ―William Mello, PhD, Indiana University

Karl Besel received his PhD in urban and public affairs from the University of Louisville, where he specialized in organizational administration. He is an associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Public Administration and Health Management at Indiana University Kokomo. His research interests include new urbanism, economic development, nonprofit management, executive succession planning, civil society, and organizational sustainability.

Viviana Andreescu received her PhD in urban and public affairs from the University of Louisville. She is an associate professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. Her research interests include social justice and public policy issues related to social and cultural minorities, violent crimes, fear of crime, and residential satisfaction and urban development.