Dilemmas of Progressives in Government: Playing Solomon in an Age of Austerity

The problems that face progressive elected officials with respect to economic development involve popular expectations meeting harsh economic realities. Definitions of progressive politics suggest an orientation toward redistributive and equity-oriented policies, as well as the involvement of popular movements in shaping the local agenda. The experiences of Hartford, Connecticut, between 1991 and 1993 demonstrate the trials and errors of attempting progressive governance. Local officials faced external political opposition, internal political dissension, huge budget shortfalls, a declining tax base, and a population in extreme poverty. They encountered proposals for casinos, possible relocation of major league football teams to the city, mounting costs of municipal employee contracts, and the attempt to foster local economic development through inauguration of a school construction program. New modes of political participation and advocacy are suggested as components of progressive local economic development.