Originally posted by Double Edge
You are right that the majority of workers for the Federal government live in VA or MD and, hence, pay taxes there. But DC is also not a standard city, it is a federal district. Any home rule activity is monitored/approved by Congress. DC leaders for years have been Democrats...and at war with Congress. Attempts to raise and levy revenues have been held up by Congress. And DC has not voting representation in Congress, just a non-voting delegate like Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, etc. Heck, a resident in DC couldn't vote for President until 1964. When we moved there in 1970 voting was still a very big deal.
Also many areas of the city were greatly destroyed by the urban riots following the death of Martin Luther King in 1968. Income streams ended and funding was not available to rebuild for decades.
Younger urbanites are starting to stay as some traditional areas have started to improve so that helps. Also, employment by the Federal Government has led to an expansion of the African American middle class which has led to many areas of the city receiving revenues which have improved them...the 14th Street Corridor comes to mind.
Comment