Candidates Must Appeal to Cities, Suburbs

Tonight's presidential debate is the candidates' last chance to address respective suburban and urban issues.

1 minute read

October 15, 2008, 2:00 PM PDT

By Judy Chang


"...Whatever strength Mr. McCain may have in the suburbs, he can't take it for granted. The economic collapse has hit the metropolitan areas hard. The majority of home foreclosures are in the suburbs, so Mr. McCain won't increase his lead there unless he persuades suburbanites that he understands how much of their future is tied up in the falling values of their homes and their retirement accounts.

By contrast, Mr. Obama, with his huge lead in cities, needs to be careful tonight that he doesn't scare off suburban voters who see him as a city person and still think that their tax dollars and the allocation of resources unfairly benefit cities at the expense of bedroom communities. What Mr. Obama should be talking about is a more inclusive and productive 'metro policy,' one that recognizes the need for cities and suburbs to work together on regional problems, like transportation and pollution."

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Line of tents set up against a fence on a public sidewalk in San Francisco, California with bikes and personal items around.

San Francisco Announces Plan to Overhaul Homelessness Strategy

Mayor Lurie’s three-phase plan promises 1,500 new shelter beds and a restructuring of outreach teams and supportive service programs.

3 hours ago - ABC7 News

Close-up on door handle with door key inserted and blurred furnished room visible beyond.

$5 Billion Rental Assistance Fund Set to Run Out of Cash

“No additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming,” HUD announces.

4 hours ago - News From the States

Parking lots and buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Could Eliminate Parking Requirements

The city could remove parking mandates citywide to reduce the cost of housing construction and ease permitting for new projects.

5 hours ago - Strong Towns