Even though it can be difficult to assess the benefits of growth in some cases, I think there are also cases where some types of growth seem better than others. Growth that brings permanent jobs and higher wage jobs is generally better for cities economically and fiscally, even if there are still some downsides associated with this. This type of growth sounds more like the “knowledge-intensive” industries we discussed earlier in the course. The Glaeser reading this week suggests that a key to growth for many cities is having a highly educated and skilled workforce—what Glaeser refers to as “human capital”. This sounds similar to Florida’s concept of the “creative class”, as discussed in the lecture notes. Are there things cities can do to attract these people or increase their “human capital”? Can “innovation districts” do this, as discussed in the lecture notes? Or are there other ways that cities can attract “good” growth, especially if they are unable to attract a “creative class”?
Metropolitan Revolution Edition: N/A
Author: Teaford
ISBN: 9780231133739
Copyright Year: 2006
Publisher: Columbia University Press (Now Perseus)
Triumph of the City Edition: N/A
Author: Glaeser
ISBN: 9781594202773
Copyright Year: 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group USA Inc