Introduction to small cities : how to describe/define them? -- Small cities in a world of mega-cities -- What are the strengths and weaknesses of smaller cities? -- Is size important? -- Public policy and small cities in North America -- Public policies and small cities in the European Union --...

Contents: 1. Introduction: The importance of the quality of urban life -- 2. Contemporary analysis of quality of life -- 3. Quality of life and competitiveness -- 4. Quality of life and the economy -- 5. Demographics and quality of life -- 6. Urban attributes and quality of life -- 7. Urban...