The Cincinnati metropolitan area is politically fragmented. The underlying socio-economic stratification and current political overlay result in substantial variation in jurisdictional economic viability and resident wellbeing. Compounding the problem has been a rate of development that, until the impact of the recession, far exceeded the underlying growth of the regional economy and related population increase. The development therefore accelerated the disinvestment of the core, thereby exacerbating the spatial fiscal disparities of the region. Myron Orfield observes that in many metropolitan areas, especially those of the Northeast and the Midwest, including Cincinnati, there is a population majority that lives in jurisdictions that are enduring fiscal distress. Given this latent majority the research explored whether that majority has the potential to make politically viable the adoption of metropolitan organizational change models that could result in a more equitable and efficient distribution of resources and services.

The hypothesis was tested through a form of simulation by engaging in qualitative research. Perceptions of regional challenges, the efficacy of solutions and the political viability of adoption were explored with in depth interviews with regional stakeholders. Respondents were selected; (1) from a range of neighborhoods and jurisdictions both within and outside Orfield's postulated majority; and (2) a range of experts on regional issues such as the role of the state, regional governance, the civic sector, regional planning and land use management, housing development and service provision. The selection was also conducted in a manner by which a range of political ideologies was represented.

The research with the selected respondents showed that the nascent majority would not easily be actualized. The suburban jurisdictions that are prospering are satisfied with the status quo. Other jurisdictions, some with moderate to severe fiscal stress, however, guard their autonomy and are generally not supportive of, or are interested in, interventions that might jeopardize Home Rule, their own and that of the more prosperous jurisdictions. The research reveals the levels of consensus on a number of potential state and regional reforms. Assessments range from no political viability for state affordable housing mandates to virtual total support for the state developing a program to guide the rate and direction of new development through infrastructure incentives. Throughout the results there is a common thread evidenced that incentives are to be used rather than mandates in the implementation of change.