Big city blues: How metro areas run by Democrats haven’t recovered from COVID-19
Democratic-Led Cities Struggle to Recover Pre-Pandemic Foot Traffic, Study Finds
According to a recent study from the University of Toronto, major cities under Democratic leadership have experienced a significant decline in economic activity as they struggle to regain their pre-pandemic levels of foot traffic. The study analyzed 66 metropolitan areas and found that cities such as Cincinnati, Raleigh, Chicago, Portland, Houston, Columbus, Seattle, Minneapolis, Louisville, and St. Louis were among the bottom 10 in terms of foot traffic recovery since 2019, all of which have Democratic mayors.
Concerns Over Economic Impact
Economist Stephen Moore expressed his distress over the findings, stating, “It’s almost all of these big blue cities. It’s San Francisco, it’s Oakland, it’s Minneapolis. It’s my home city of Chicago.” The study also revealed that Sacramento, New York City, and Detroit ranked poorly, with only 66% of their foot traffic returning since 2019. The analysis measured the number of unique visitors through mobile device use from March to mid-June of 2023, comparing it to the same period in 2019.
Crime Surge and High Taxes Blamed
Moore attributed the decline in foot traffic to the recent surge in crime plaguing liberal cities. He explained that the decrease in arrests for nonviolent crimes, due to overcrowded jails and prisons, has contributed to the crime waves. Additionally, high taxes in these areas have deterred people from visiting, impacting local businesses such as stores and restaurants.
On the other hand, Las Vegas, with an independent mayor, emerged as the city with the highest increase in foot traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Bakersfield, under Republican leadership, ranked fourth. St. Louis, however, fared the worst, with only 53% of foot traffic recovered since the pandemic.
What are the challenges faced by major cities under Democratic leadership in recovering their pre-pandemic levels of foot traffic?
Democratic-Led Cities Struggle to Recover Pre-Pandemic Foot Traffic, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by the University of Toronto has shed light on the challenges faced by major cities under Democratic leadership in recovering their pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. The study analyzed 66 metropolitan areas and found that cities such as Cincinnati, Raleigh, Chicago, Portland, Houston, Columbus, Seattle, Minneapolis, Louisville, and St. Louis were among the bottom 10 in terms of foot traffic recovery since 2019, all of which have Democratic mayors.
The findings of the study have raised concerns over the economic impact of the pandemic on Democratic-led cities. Economist Stephen Moore expressed his distress over the results, pointing out that “It’s almost all of these big blue cities. It’s San Francisco, it’s Oakland, it’s Minneapolis. It’s my home city of Chicago.” The study also revealed that Sacramento, New York City, and Detroit ranked poorly, with only 66% of their foot traffic returning since 2019. The analysis measured the number of unique visitors through mobile device use from March to mid-June of 2023, comparing it to the same period in 2019.
One of the reasons attributed to the decline in foot traffic is the surge in crime that liberal cities have been experiencing. Moore explained that the decrease in arrests for nonviolent crimes, due to overcrowded jails and prisons, has contributed to the crime waves. Additionally, the high taxes in these areas have deterred people from visiting, impacting local businesses such as stores and restaurants.
However, the study also noted that there are exceptions to this trend. Las Vegas, with an independent mayor, emerged as the city with the highest increase in foot traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Bakersfield, under Republican leadership, ranked fourth. On the other hand, St. Louis fared the worst, with only 53% of foot traffic recovered since the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by cities under Democratic leadership.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the current state of Democratic-led cities and their struggles to recover pre-pandemic levels of foot traffic. It is important for city officials and policymakers to assess the factors impacting economic recovery and take necessary steps to address them. By addressing concerns over crime rates and high taxes, cities can create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and attract visitors, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth of these areas.
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