Hance expresses concern about changing structural roles in the federal-local government relationship. In what she dubs the New Urban Crisis, local government administers public policies made at higher levels. She argues that in Phoenix, federal oversight lead to unfortunate complications, such as incidents regarding clean air requirements, a dam designed to prevent flooding, and public transportation for the disabled. Lamenting that cities have been entangled in Washington red tape, Hance calls for decisions about funding for local projects to be made locally. The federal government should use block grant funds rather than specific-purpose or one-time programs. In this way local government would have authority to determine how funds are expended, which Hance believes would be more effective and efficient.