Tackling the bigger problems of poverty, race and regional responsibility for inner cities have produced more questions than answers. It's not the structure that matters, but the way people work together to get things done. No one is excused. The leadership mix can be enriched by universities, professional groups, faith communities and the media. Sometimes the old ways still work.
Charismatic individuals can sometimes still make things happen.
Collaboration is messy, frustrating, and indispensable. Collaboration is here to stay, but power sharing is always difficult. Government always needs reforming, but all the reforms need government. Government is still needed as a partner for real, long-term change. It's never over.