Hometown Inequality

Local governments play a central role in American democracy providing essential services such as policing water and sanitation. Moreover Americans express great confidence in their municipal governments. But is this confidence warranted? Using big data and a representative sample of American communities this book provides the first systematic examination of racial and class inequalities in local politics. We find that non-whites and less-affluent residents are consistent losers in local democracy. Residents of color and those with lower incomes receive less representation from local elected officials than do whites and the affluent. Additionally they are much less likely than privileged community members to have their preferences reflected in local government policy. Contrary to the popular assumption that governments that are closest govern best we find that inequalities in representation are most severe in suburbs and small towns. Typical reforms do not seem to improve the situation and we recommend new approaches.