Book presentation. Cities are central to prosperity: they are hubs of innovation and growth. Yet the economic vitality of wealthy cities is marred by persistent and pervasive inequality. In his new book Unequal Cities, economist Richard McGahey argues that deeply entrenched anti-urban policies and politics limit cities’ options to address inequality. Many factors – structural racism, suburban subsidies, regional government fragmentation, the hostility of state legislatures, and federal policy – contribute to an unequal status quo that underfunds cities while preventing them from pursuing fairer outcomes. Drawing on economic and historical analysis as well as his extensive experience in government and philanthropy, the author examines the failures of public policy and conventional economic wisdom that have led to the neglect of American cities.