The concept of soil management has long been poorly understood and often insufficiently conducted in urban environments, resulting in high maintenance and energy-intensive landscapes, as well as substantial distortions in vegetation and hydrological functions.  Only recently are management of urban soils being recognized as critical factors in building and restoring urban communities that are more sustainable, affordable, and environmentally sound.  This presentation discusses factors required for urban soil management, including restoration of drastically disturbed soils, soils in exotic and native landscape applications, and measures needed to protect soils for the future.