Miami Herald - June 21, 2008 - Sushma Sheth & Denise Perry 

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama will speak at the U.S. Conference of Mayors today in Miami. As the mayors woo him with visions of unified urban policies, a special group will be on the outside, looking in: the majority.

Reclaim cities

A minority of global speculators and private developers have had their run of city coffers, urban land, cheap labor and limited oversight. As cities head toward rock bottom, residents are fighting to take their cities back.

There are no more city limits. U.S. cities are globalized in nature; their value is determined by global trends and powers. Global economic interests often guide local city policies. Deals are cut in corporate boardrooms. Out in the street, residents are left without a voice.

Backroom deals and lack of community oversight have allowed cities to fall into disarray. Speculation inflated local housing markets, and inflated property values have brought about displacement.

The unregulated subprime-mortgage lending industry now threatens first-time homeowners as well as renters evicted from foreclosed properties at alarming rates. Public space and green space increasingly face either elimination or privatization.

A family's right to the city should not depend on campaign contributions, or even ownership of land. All who live and contribute to the fabric of city life, culture and history have a stake in the city. The real-estate bust, mortgage crisis, gentrifying initiatives and scant oversight pose a clear threat. We challenge mayors and presidential hopefuls to lead in the interests of the public majority and to preserve human rights and democracy for all.

SUSHMA SHETH, Miami Workers Center, Miami

DENISE PERRY, Power U Center, Miami

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