What mindset is reflected in the belief that a new tax base will come from extending city limits despite historical precedence against it?

The belief that a new tax base will come from extending city limits, despite historical evidence suggesting otherwise, reflects wishful thinking. This mindset involves maintaining an optimistic outlook that ignores or downplays any negative past experiences or outcomes. It suggests a desire for a particular outcome—a new tax base—without a realistic assessment of the circumstances that have previously led to failure in similar scenarios. Wishful thinking often involves a disconnect between one's hopes and the factual evidence available, portraying an overconfidence in a desirable outcome while disregarding potential challenges or obstacles that could arise. This approach leads individuals to believe that a solution, such as extending city limits for economic gain, will succeed simply because they wish for it to be true, rather than basing their beliefs on rational analysis or historical context.