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Bloomberg: Watch Midsize Cities Fight Inequality And Gridlock

Bloomberg, October 15, 2019: Watch Midsize Cities Fight Inequality And Gridlock

The greatest short-term progress on inequality might not be made at the national level, in big cities or in rural America, but in midsize cities. During the past couple of years, these cities have started evolving under the leadership of young, dynamic, pragmatic mayors, many of whom are Black. The historic election of Steven Reed in Montgomery, Alabama, last week is the latest example: Not only is he also Black, but he was one of the first judges in the state to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. These mayors, taking advantage of the strong labor market and with the ability to be more nimble politically, have the opportunity to transform their cities, making progress on inequality and racial division even as dysfunction reigns elsewhere.

Big cities and rural areas have a different set of problems — one is too hot and the other is too cold. Big cities are potent engines of economic growth, but they’re expensive, congested and have perpetual housing shortages. Powerful institutions, the wealthy and special interests stymie reformers at every turn. Rural areas, on the other hand, have aging and shrinking populations, and often lack the educational and health-care institutions, employers and the educated workforce needed to draw new talent and businesses.

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