What does a cash-strapped American city look like?
Think fewer libraries, fewer public works projects, fewer after-school programs, fewer police officers and fewer public employees overall.
Thanks to the whimpering economy, some city officials say such reductions will match their significantly smaller budgets. But they’re also hoping the federal government will be able to ease at least some of the pain.
“What we’re saying is these are some ways that you can help us so we can help shore up the economy at the local level,” said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. “It’s a win-win.”
Alice Gomstyn 