Includes bibliographical references (pages 155-170).

A concise history of urban riverfront development -- Urban river health -- Principles for ecologically sound riverfront design -- The benefits of restoration and redevelopment -- The Chicago River : a reversal of fortunes -- The Willamette River : a renaissance in the making. This report puts forth a new vision for the nation's urban riverfronts. It provides a set of planning and design principles that will allow communities to reclaim urban river edges in the most ecologically sound and economically viable manner possible. The report will guide planners, mayors, public works and environmental officials, river advocates, and the general public in their search for effective, ecological riverfront design. It covers key topics related to ecological health and human interaction with rivers and provides a set of essential strategies to help communities achieve more with their riverfront revitalization efforts.