The survival of progressive urban politics amid economic adversity

摘要

Progressive politics made its initial appearance in the urban policy arena in smaller communities in the 1979-1981 period. But while some may have regarded it as a passing fad, it has displayed surprising resilience and durability over the past three decades, becoming entrenched in large cities as well. Yet despite its remarkable success, the Great Recession of 2008 and a stubbornly slow and uneven recovery challenge the future viability of a progressive agenda in U.S. cities. This article assesses the recent achievements and future prospects of a progressive regime in Seattle. After first reviewing the social and economic context within which policymaking occurs, it examines how local government agencies justify recent policy initiatives in three key policy domains. This review reveals that support for progressive reform has remained stable and vibrant in that city throughout the recent recession and subsequent economic recovery. At the same time, decision makers' rationale for progressive measures has evolved from a focus on the effects of the recession to an emphasis on the consequences of prosperity. The analysis attributes progressive policies to the joint influence of morally nontraditional ways of life and growing postindustrial economic sectors. It concludes that the mutually reinforcing impacts of cultural non-traditionalism and the global economy guarantee the future survival of an urban progressive agenda regardless of national economic conditions.