Actually it is. I've always felt that many 19th century local governments in the US were run like start-ups with a grand vision of creating a better society for

Actually it is. I've always felt that many 19th century local governments in the US were run like start-ups with a grand vision of creating a better society for their citizens. If you look at the efforts to build transportation, support business, promote local education, and the like it's hard not to see the parallels. Edited: clarification