Regional Government Requires Strong Urban Core

Stephen Goldsmith, the former mayor of Indianapolis, says that the success of regional government depends on the state of its urban core.

1 minute read

December 8, 2003, 1:00 PM PST

By David Gest


"Regional government can't be viewed a success unless the urban core improves...The goal of regional government is to bring jobs, stability and growth to the city, Stephen Goldsmith said in a speech last night at Cleveland State University...While he was mayor, Indianapolis centralized police dispatch, sewer management and 9-1-1 operations, saving tens of millions of dollars...It was three decades ago -- 20 years before Goldsmith became mayor -- Indianapolis combined city and county council into one body...Regionalism, however, was no panacea in Indianapolis...The former mayor has been credited for taking a populist approach toward urban renewal as mayor and injecting significantly more public money into the city by cutting bureaucracy...Goldsmith built up community development groups in seven targeted areas, providing money for them to hire more staff and pay for programs."

Thanks to David Gest

Friday, December 5, 2003 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

11 seconds ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Mural showing tools and craft supplies with banner reading 'Things are made here' in front of makerspace in Columbia, Missouri.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs

A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

1 hour ago - Next City

Close-up of wood log with emerald ash borer larvae tracks etched in the wood.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests

The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.

2 hours ago - The Bemidji Pioneer