The phrase signifies a deliberate decision to abstain from a competitive event or contest, specifically referencing the city of Flint. An example would be the choice by a sports team representing Flint to decline participation in a statewide tournament.
This abstention may stem from various factors including, but not limited to, resource constraints, concerns regarding athlete safety, or a strategic realignment of priorities. Historically, such decisions are often rooted in a community’s specific challenges, requiring a difficult assessment of potential gains versus incurred costs.