The federal government needs to recognize the economic power of the country's metropolises and work with them to create successful regions, according to a recent study from the Brookings Institution.
"Crafting a new federal role for metropolitan America – one that recognizes the importance not just of cities but entire metropolitan areas, together with the idiosyncrasies and differing strengths of each region – is at the heart of a major report the Brookings Institution released Thursday at a summit of mayors, county officials, and business and civic leaders in Washington."
"Ultimately, its goal is to revolutionize the way the US views its metropolises."
"'If you're going to get serious about the economy, then you've got to get specific about how you're going to leverage metropolitan economies,' says Bruce Katz, director of the metropolitan policy program at Brookings."
"Even though America's 100 largest cities generate two-thirds of US jobs and three-quarters of domestic economic output, much of the policy coming from Washington – and from the presidential candidates – is still rooted in a Jeffersonian ideal of hamlets and small towns, Mr. Katz says."
Read the full story: U.S. cities for the 21st century
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