Stop One-Party Rule in Big Cities

One-party rule is hurting America’s big cities. But not everyone thinks it’s a problem. Bruce Katz of the Brookings Insititution, for example, has called for a national Metropolitan Party that advocates for urban interests. In truth, the country already has a Metropolitan Party, and it’s called the Democratic Party. Cities overwhelmingly went for Hillary in 2016. And since the election, national politics is moving even more toward a big-city alignment against the policies of President Donald Trump on such issues as climate change or sanctuary cities for immigrants.

One-party urban rule may have its benefits in the national context, giving Democrats a competitive showing in a near-parity Congress. But it’s not all that great for representing competing interests in city politics. What cities need is not one party, but many—offering more distinct, organized options for citizens at the local ballot box that reflect the diversity of city life.