The 2016 election
revealed a sharp fissure between large metropolitan areas, which are diverse,
dynamic regions where most Americans live and where almost all of the
post-recession economic growth is concentrated, and much of the rest of the
country, which is economically declining and experiencing sustained population
loss and cultural isolation. Donald Trump’s campaign succeeded by mobilizing
the latter regions against the former with a largely anti-urban message. Simultaneously,
the rural/urban divide within many states has created a polarized political
culture. The clustering of urban voters and aggressive partisan gerrymandering
has given rise to state legislatures disproportionately composed of rural
legislators with an anti-urban agenda. This panel will discuss various tools
available to cities to chart a course during the Trump administration. Should
cities assert their independence from state and federal governments, relying on
muscular interpretations of their home rule powers? Should they focus on
structural reform of institutions like the Electoral College and partisan
gerrymandering that disadvantage urban areas? Should they attempt to find
common ground on issues like economic inequality, the costs of globalization,
and the drug war with the rural dwellers who supported Trump? Can local
governments raise more revenue to insulate themselves from federal pressure?
Business
meeting held during the State and Local Government Law Breakfast pm on Saturday, January 6 from 7 - 8:30 am.