“There’s a lot to learn from what’s happened in Michigan. We’ve experienced … state takeovers of minority communities,” said Tom Ivacko, executive director of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, on Tennessee’s takeover of a predominantly Black town near where Ford Motor Co. will invest billions. Jenna Bednar, professor of political science and public policy, suggests the state provide budgetary and planning help, while Ford assists with workforce and economic development: “Instead of removing power, a collaborative approach that respects (the town’s) autonomy could be a win-win.”
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