URBAN ISSUES

JOEL KOTKIN, author, July 25, 2005
CZIKOWSKY: You are so right. I realize the peace of mind of not having to live in fear is important. If cities can no longer guarantee our safety, people will choose not to live in cities. Is seems so ironic, as we reach the height of urbanism in human history, that it is likely cities will move downhill from this point. What factors, if any, do you see that might prevent this trend and allow cities in increase in population and attract a greater proportion of the population to live there?
KOTKIN: I think the key is developing a strong urban policy that deals with the basics of jobs, business climate, education, and infrastructure.
Right now it’s mostly bread and circuses.