This article from Strong Towns examines the financial struggles faced by typical American cities, using Lafayette, Louisiana, as a case study. Through a detailed analysis of revenue and expenses, the piece reveals that many cities have accumulated unsustainable infrastructure liabilities exceeding their tax base. This predicament, termed the “Growth Ponzi Scheme,” stems from a development pattern prioritizing rapid expansion and immediate revenue over long-term maintenance costs. The author argues that this model has led to a situation where infrastructure burdens outweigh the wealth it generates, suggesting a need for a fundamental shift in urban growth strategies.

https://www.strongtowns.org/