Citation

Ottensmann JR. J. Plann. Lit. 1987; 2(3): 243-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/088541228700200301

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Many programs dealing with urban distress direct resources into limited inner-city areas. The United States and Great Britain have both pursued such policies of spatial targeting or positive discrimination. Major problems of targeting include inequities, unanticipated secondary impacts, and the inappropriate scale of targeted efforts. Arguments for targeting include the presence of positive spatial externalities, increased program efficiency resulting from concentration, and the possibility that targeting may better meet the most severe needs. The contrasting experiences of the two countries aids in the formulation of policies that may involve spatial targeting.