I have trouble escaping the idea that the schmucks that run muni's are all competing with each other to be more upscale than each other. And mostly that devolve

I have trouble escaping the idea that the schmucks that run muni's are all competing with each other to be more upscale than each other. And mostly that devolves into policies to 'keep the riff raff out'. My ex brother in law used to drive his work truck when visiting his sister and the HOA started threatening to fine her.