This paper examines whether changes in sources of city revenue are aligned with differences in local power structures. Examining change in per capita revenues and in revenue shares from different sources from 1977/78 to 1986/87, the results show that, while there was much variety in inter-city revenue changes, consistent patterns were present. In particular, patterns of revenue collection change were influenced by the relative importance of non-residential sectors and levels of home ownership. Taken together these indicate that new revenue patterns were more favourable for home owners than for businesses, although there were countervailing tendencies in areas with high unemployment and large non-white populations. Also considered were political party effects, which, while weak, were consistent with Democrat Party orientations.
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