City Leaders Upbeat Locally, Gloomy Globally

A new survey conducted by the National League of Cities underscores the old adage that "all politics are local." As reported today in USA Today, "City leaders are gloomy about the direction the country is heading," but remain "optimistic about the direction their cities are heading."

The survey found that 63% of city officials say they are pessimistic about the future, compared with 62% in 1992 and 19% in 2001. Although 62% say that global economic conditions have worsened in the past year, 84% are optimistic about the direction their cities are heading. The survey also found that 64% of city officials say health care is the most important issue the next presidential administration will face.

The survey also revealed that one-third of respondents say finding a way to finance services is the biggest issue they face.