These differences across communities make it hard to organize. The situation has been quite similar in Northwest Indiana. East Chicago, Whiting, Hammond, and Gary don't have much of a history for collaboration. As well, many community groups which have been very effective at the neighborhood level, have had little interest or experience in working across communities. There is a long history of distrust among organizations.
Turf issues are common.
Much organizing has been very local and there has been resistance to broader coalitions. Lack of interaction and coordination has also been common among government agencies in both states. People have held their cards close to their chests. Even within the City of Chicago, initiatives at the Department of Environment and Department of Planning and Development which affect the Calumet region are not always coordinated. There is only modest collaboration between the City of Chicago, its departments, and other local, state and regional officials with initiatives in the Calumet region.