Is The American Dream Changing?

At Patch, we don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward. 

We want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: Dispatches: The Changing American Dream.

Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Gulfport neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Locally. . .

We know that the Gulfport City Council wants to increase property taxes to offset declining property values in the city.

We know that because of a $2.2 million dollar budget shortfall and soon-to-be expired grant, the St. Pete Beach Connector Trolley's last day will be September 30, 2011. 

We know that because of the city's budget shortfall, the Gulfport Police Department's dispatch services may be outsourced to the Pinellas County Sheriff's office in an effort to cut costs.

We know that residents want to keep their city clean and preserve it for visitors and generations to come. The Gulfport Neighbors organized two cleanup events at the Gulfport Beach and to pick up litter others so carelessly left behind.

And we know that new businesses are moving to town to expand their reach, space, products and set roots for their families. Learn more in our series.

Of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Gulfport go to the heart of your American Dream. Email the Editor at cherlene.willis@patch.com with your stories, questions and comments about our new series and your American Dream.