Today's WSJ has a most important opinion piece for those who care about the future of American cities, including people who live in them, like SWNID.
Joel Kotkin of Chapman University notes that while many cities, including the one where we reside, have sought economic growth by appealing to the "creative class" of young singles, cities that have actually experienced economic and numerical growth in recent years have been those that are appealing to married people with children.
We simply say that we wouldn't mind in the least of Our City Fathers took this message to heart. To appeal to companies looking to bring jobs, Cincinnati doesn't need more nightclubs (unless they are jazz venues like the Blue Wisp, whose survival seems relatively secure now). It needs good schools, affordable housing, and social networks that nurture parents and children.
1 comment:
I am always amazed at how my single or childless friends change their tune when kids come along. They go from loving the whole hip city scene to wanting that safe secure home in the bland suburbs they had previously disdained. I live in a suburb of Chicago. Living in the city has no appeal to me and never did. I don't even like to take my kids there on an outing. Too much trouble. Too expensive. And that's the problem in general with raising a family in such places. Too expensive, too much trouble. I don't expect that to change. So maybe more cities should take the approach of San Fran. and just say to families, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
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