Race, Municipal Underbounding, and Coalitional Politics in Modesto, California, and Moore County, North Carolina

Abstract

“The denial of basic services to predominantly African-American and Latino unincorporated areas has drastic consequences for residents’ quality of life and well-being. When properties lack access to wastewater disposal, police protection, and water, property values remain low. Thus, wealth accumulation is limited, hindering the development of businesses, institutions, and organizations, as well as the ability to pass along gains to the next generation. The inability to accrue transformative assets contributes to the perpetuation of a whole host of inequalities in education, health care, and employment.”