A2: Economy

The Wall Street Journal profiles Ann Arbor and Warren as examples of two cities in Michigan that are being affected by the economy in very different ways. ”That economic gulf wasn’t always there. In 1979, the average family in Warren made $28,538 annually, not much below Ann Arbor’s average of $29,840. But in the past 30 years, the U.S. economy has undergone a sweeping transformation that has benefited cities like Ann Arbor and hurt manufacturing hubs like Warren. As transportation and communication costs fell, and countries like Japan and, now, China, increased their manufacturing capability, Michigan’s advantages have faded. Those same forces of globalization benefited educated workers – an area where Michigan largely fell short. Except in Ann Arbor.” [Source]