> Why would a city agree to merge with a distressed, money-draining suburb? From a purely self-interested perspective, it would increase their control of what

> Why would a city agree to merge with a distressed, money-draining suburb? From a purely self-interested perspective, it would increase their control of what happens in distressed cities. They could rezone the suburbs and build transit there to increase supply in case the city does not have enough. They may be able to help enforce law and order in areas that were outside of their jurisdiction. They may have friends and family living in the distressed city. They may have some basic compassion for their fellow humans.