City Journal Audio From Capital Streets to City Shelters: Who’s in Charge?
Aug 18, 2025
Ilya Shapiro, law expert at the Manhattan Institute, Carolyn Gorman, a mental health specialist, and John Ketcham, a city policy analyst, dive into the impact of federal policing on local governance in D.C. They tackle New York's controversial proposal for involuntary mental health commitments, weighing civil liberties against public safety. The discussion expands to urban disorder, New York's drug policy shortcomings, and a surprising trend: Gen Z’s increasing alcohol abstention, reflecting profound changes in urban culture.
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D.C. Is A Unique Federal Problem
- The Trump administration federalized D.C. police because the District is a unique federal jurisdiction with constitutional federal interests.
- Panelists argue federal intervention fits within federalism due to D.C.'s special status and governance failures.
Higher Authorities Can Correct Local Failures
- Higher governments can and should step in when local jurisdictions fail to protect public safety.
- The threat of higher-level takeover can pressure cities to govern responsibly and reduce crime.
Restore Clear Accountability
- Clarify and align responsibilities across federal and local governments to restore accountability in D.C.
- Avoid overlapping authority that lets each level blame the other and prevents solutions.