Governing Washington, D.C.

Are major changes needed, or simply more money?

Introduction

The nation's capital is facing a political and fiscal crisis. Two decades after Congress granted the city limited home rule, public services are faltering, the government is in debt and residents and jobs are moving out. Congress last year created a financial control board with broad powers to override the decisions of the District of Columbia's elected government. Now the board is pressuring the District government to cut costs and reduce waste. This month, the board fired the school superintendent and appointed a new board of trustees to run the school system. Home rule supporters say the District needs more money and greater political autonomy, but Congress is in no mood to grant either one until more reforms are in place.

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