Can’t We All Get Along? Public Officials’ Attitudes toward Regionalism as a Solution to Metropolitan Problems in a Rust Belt Community

Abstract

Although regionalism has been touted as a possible solution to metropolitan problems such as fiscal equity, economic development, education, poverty, and fair-share housing, it nonetheless is met with great resistance in many communities. Through a survey, this study examines attitudes of 38 public officials in a “rust belt” community toward regionalism as a solution to their community’s problems. Analysis of the results of the survey indicates a belief in the benefits of regionalism and a willingness to consolidate a number of services, with the exception of consolidated planning and education services. Findings also confirm that the two strongest obstacles to regionalism are fear of loss of autonomy and jurisdiction-centered self-interests, while a factor favoring regional cooperation is trust. The overall findings reflect the shift from a Fordist-Keynesian framework to a neoliberal perspective on regionalism.