City management, public administration and the American enlightenment

History has often been ignored in examining administration at the local level. In this article the careers of three public administrators are studied, two academics and a practitioner. The practitioner helped shape city management and the ideals of the two academics characterize the field at that time. The foundations they laid have in many ways proved long lasting in spite of their beliefs in some dubious assumptions. Most importantly, these foundations are relevant for the future administration of the American city.