The Regional Approach to Fighting Poverty

"We seem to understand on an international basis that there is a direct relationship between poverty, disenfranchisement and instability."

"Suburbs and rural areas have a vested interest in cities' health. Cities are our cultural centers and in many ways reflect the future diversity of our country. They are still our government centers."

"A hollowed-out urban center benefits no one. In fact, it has been well established that any decline in the inner city has a profound effect on neighboring suburbs and rural areas. According to a 1997 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report, 87 percent of the new jobs created in the early '90s in the lower-paying and lower-skilled service and retail sectors were located in the suburbs."

"Perhaps after many years of cut-throat competition and major economic development outside the inner cities, Capital Region communities will cooperate with their neighbors."