ST. LOUIS (AP) – A nonprofit group supporting consolidation of government in St. Louis city and St. Louis County has issued a final report, saying fragmentation has created an “us vs. them” mentality in the region.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Better Together St. Louis says the lack of unity has had three bad results: Too much competition between entities, a disparity in service and resource allocation, and an inability to pursue and execute a vision for regional success.

The nonprofit cites the region’s 90 municipalities, 43 fire districts, 57 police departments and 81 municipal courts.

The group’s research has drawn applause from supporters of consolidation. But critics believe it is an effort to eliminate governments in poor communities in north St. Louis County.