In Understanding Urban Politics: Institutions, Representation, and Policies, Timothy B. Krebs and Arnold Fleischmann introduce a framework that focuses on the role of institutions in establishing the political "rules of the game," the representativeness of city government, the influence of participation in local democracy, and how each of these features influences the adoption and implementation of public policies.

Part 1 lays the groundwork by exploring the many meanings of "urban," analyzing what local governments do, and providing a concise history of American urban development. Part 2 examines the organizations and procedures that are central to urban politics and policy making: intergovernmental relations, local legislatures, and the local executive branch. Part 3 looks at elections and voting, local campaigns, and non-electoral forms of participation. The four chapters in Part 4 focus on the policy process and the delivery of local services, local government finances, "Building the City," and policies affecting the quality of life.

Krebs and Fleischmann bolster students' learning and skills with guiding questions at the start of each chapter, which ends with key terms, a summary, discussion questions, and research exercises. The appendix and website aid these efforts, as does a website for instructors.