This happened after Cleveland declared itself the first city in the United States to become a WEF 15 minute city. https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2573239499806-can-cleveland-become-a-15-minute-city-experts-say-it-s-a-real-possibility
The elites need the surrounding areas to be so lawless (why they have zero bail), barren (theft is causing companies to pull out) and polluted (train derailments and explosions) that everyone comes to a 15 minute city and submit to total technological tyranny.
Destroy an area and get cheap real estate.