Abstract

From the 'Burbs to the 'Hood

The article explores effective strategies for improving people's lives through progressive social change. The article describes the regional transformation in the blue-collar communities north of Minneapolis. For this social transformation to take place, credit goes to the daring and substantive efforts of Minnesota State Representative Myron Orfield. Orfield, aged 39, who grew up in Minneapolis and now represents it in the state legislature, has launched an ambitious political initiative to slow suburban sprawl and the accompanying flow of wealth from older neighborhoods. Working with a growing national movement of social-justice activists, environmentalists and municipal officials, Orfield promotes the idea that problems like poverty, affordable housing and inner-city decline are best solved on a regional basis.