A new report, Life in the City: A Status Report on the Revival of Urban Communities in America, was reviewed at a recent public policy forum. The report provides hope for inner cities in general through examples of progress and achievements in six cities. However, Robert Greenstein, executive director of the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, interjected a note of pessimism regarding the findings of the report. He emphasized the fragility of the progress made and warned of profound federal danger signs. He expressed concerns about the anticipated effects of welfare reform and his fear that the gains that have been made in inner cities might be used to justify reductions in …