Democracy, Redistribution and Local Political Boundaries

• In Event: Race and Political Boundaries in American Democracy

Abstract

This paper examines the politics of creating new cities comparing the Atlanta, Miami, and Sacramento regions since 1990. In each case, new cities represented the efforts of dissatisfied residents to secede from county governance and create smaller less diverse political homes. Drawing on a data set of direct quotes of supporters and opponents derived from news articles, the paper shows how participants in these struggles interpreted issues related to racial segregation, redistribution, and democracy. It shows that supporters of the new municipalities cast their campaigns as color-blind efforts driven by deeply-felt democratic aspirations. At the same time, the proponents of new cities embraced ideals of fairness that equate taxes with services, leaving little room for local redistribution.

Author

• Margaret Weir, Brown University