Yesterday, in response to Brady's post about urban issues, YPP user ELP said that we needed to focus more on regionalism. I promptly told him his little la-de-da fantasy world had no place on the grizzled pages of YPP.

Then I read this:

What concerns could West Philadelphia and West Chester possibly have in common? Plenty, it turns out.

At least that seems to be the emerging view of both suburban leaders and Mayor Nutter, who are contemplating a new regional caucus of elected leaders that would grapple with problems that transcend municipal borders, including everything from air quality to economic development.

It is likely to be another six months before a caucus is created, and no details are available yet on what form such an organization might take. But Nutter has been actively courting suburban leaders, making visits to the county seats in Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties, and later hosting many of them at a Phillies game. The southern New Jersey counties are not likely to join initially, though they may well be invited in the future.

If Nutter can achieve this, more power to him. No, it will not end poverty, or tackle the biggest issues we have. But, it can accomplish a lot. To me, the biggest prize out there for regionalization is transit, and transit funding. Yes, I know we have SEPTA- but until we have our city leaders pushing together, it is hard for me to see Philly getting the federal funds it needs for real transit expansion, like a new light rail line. I saw the effects of regional cohesion up close in Minnesota, where the Twin Cities' Metro Council helped successfully push for new transit.

Anyway, this is cool. And next time I go and bet on the ponies, ELP, you are coming along.