How to Rescue Neighborhoods That Are Down and Out

More and more, American leaders are realizing that economic policies must be designed with a specific region in mind. Usually, the context is discussion of how to revitalize regions in decline, such as rural Appalachia or the post-industrial Midwest. That’s important, because when many people leave these areas, those who remain — for family reasons, or because it’s costly to move — are stuck with half-abandoned neighborhoods and infrastructure that’s too expensive to maintain. Revitalizing declining regions can help promote economic efficiency, as well as giving aid to those unable to relocate.

But there’s another important reason to focus on struggling places — equality. It’s not just declining regions that need help, but poor neighborhoods within big cities.