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This study examines patterns of membership in neighborhood associations in a revitalized neighborhood in a large midwestern city. The neighborhood is ethnically heterogenous and working class. The research assesses the extent of participation in local associations, its effect on revitalization, and differences between old-timers and newcomers.It was found that affiliation with neighborhood associations is wide spread both among old-timers and newcomers. However, young and affluent newcomers are particularly active. Moreover, whereas old-timers tend to be over-represented in traditional established associations, newcomers are more likely to join avant-garde and activist associations. Finally, membership accounts for residents' perception of their neighborhood and the extent to which they are involved in the revitalization process.The 1970s were a decade in which professionals, academics, and the media described urban areas in apocalyptic terms. The lexicon was one ranging from the "urban crisis" through "ungovernable city" to "death of the city." Cities in general and inner city residential neighborhoods in particular were forecast to be doomed to inevitable physical decline and increasing social and political anarchy (Hauser, 1975;Sternlieb, 1971). Now the more common litany is that the crisis is over, and there is serious possibility of an urban renaissance (Allman, 1978). The "back to the city" and "gentrification" movements are now focuses of media attention. That the "back to the city" label is a misnomer it is more a stay in the city phenomenon -and the term "gentrification" is equally inaccurate, seem to matter little.

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