Why do some cities arise as fast-growth entrepreneurial hot spots while others stagnate or decline?

FORBES: Cluster of excellence

Some women decline amniocentesis because of the estimated 1% risk of miscarriage, while others reject it because they wouldn't terminate a pregnancy, regardless of the test's results.

WSJ: New Prenatal Tests Offer Safer, Early Screenings

Facing a decline in after-tax compensation, some individuals would drop out of the workforce, while others would choose to work fewer hours.

FORBES: Doubling Down on the Payroll Tax Holiday Still Won't Create Jobs