Since the sub-prime mortgage collapse, the challenge has been to establish real data and useful information to gauge the extent and impact of this economic upheaval. A recent National League of Cities poll of more than 200 cities puts forward some indications on the impacts already being felt by cities and their economic well-being.

The poll indicates “two-thirds of cities report that foreclosures have increased in their communities during the past year, with one-third seeing declines in city revenues as a result”. The poll also suggests that: more services are needed just as cities have less resources at their disposal; foreclosures are disproportionately impacting certain residents such as low-income and single-parent families; and one-third of cities are struggling with the social and safety implications of increased abandoned and vacant properties. See the website for more details.

It is also interesting to note that almost 60% of cities have been working most closely with non-profit or civic organizations to respond to the crisis, significantly above the rate of collaborations with other government bodies. Is this an indication that cities are seeing a need for new alliances and different types of resources and knowledge to tackle the problems they face?

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