Deindustrialization and Populism: What does Connectedness do for Cities?

• In Event: Service Provision in the City: Successes and Failures

Abstract

Deindustrialization struck the U.S. decades ago. Many cities continue to fight its effects – poverty, unemployment, social and community stagnation and, even, percolating populist politics. While much attention is focused on the national context in pursuit of understanding the roots of populism, a view of the subnational level, and especially the deindustrialized cities of the U.S., reveals why populism so easily takes hold. Decades after deindustrialization struck, cities are still dealing with the aftermath. A deeper look at the U.S. Rustbelt reveals significant variation among cities. Why did some cities adapt to deindustrialization and others did not? Through a Most Similar Systems Design, I examine the cities of Buffalo, NY and Pittsburgh, PA to understand why Pittsburgh bounced back from deindustrialization faster than Buffalo. Data consists of over 40 interviews with policy, community, and economic development leaders, along with archival and quantitative data from both cities spanning a fifty-year period. This research finds that social connectivity and intergovernmental support shaped Pittsburgh’s path out of deindustrialization. Most importantly, a historical look at Pittsburgh reveals that government, business, institutions of higher educations, foundations, and community groups have forged a path dependency for cooperation. In other words, Pittsburgh’s connectedness is its secret weapon. In addition, state support proved critical in supporting Pittsburgh’s recovery. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s non-collaborative style of governing and absence of connectivity across sectors as well as a lack of state support have resulted in decades of stagnation. Although, recent changes in the state role, as well as efforts to bring groups together in the Buffalo case, are providing hope for the city. The empirical data supports the argument that connectedness, collaborative governance, and intergovernmental support may indeed provide a buffer to populist tendencies as well as pave the way for urban resiliency and adaptation to economic shock.

Author

• Maureen Heffern Ponicki, University of Illinois at Chicago