Metropolitan regions like greater Chicago cover hundreds of square miles, contain scores of independent jurisdictions, and house an enormously varied populaion. Yet they are bound, as Anthony Downs shows, by an intricate web of interdependencies. Although certain areas of Chicago are thriving and others faltering badly, the long-term prospects for all parts of the region depend on recognizing and taking those interdependencies into account.
![Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff, Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and his wife Gwen stand on stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024.](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-08-23T052331Z_2086270225_HP1EK8N0EZ4F5_RTRMADP_3_USA-ELECTION-DEMOCRATS-1.jpg?quality=75&w=500)
Political Parties
The Democratic National Convention proved that words still matter
Commentary
The View From the Metropolis
September 1, 1998