We at Common Place read many articles this year on issues facing our cities and communities. Here are some of our favorite reads, in no particular order.
"5 Key Themes Emerging From the 'New Science of Cities,'" Michael Mehaffy
What exactly is a city? According to Citylab journalist Michael Mehaffy, "a remarkable body of scientific research has begun to shed new light on the dynamic behavior of cities, carrying important implications for city-makers." That is, "cities are complex, adaptive systems with their own characteristic dynamics, and—if they are going to perform well from a human point of view—they need to be dealt with as such." By emphasizing concepts such as connectivity and human scale, this new approach to the urban environment will change not only the way cities are conceptualized, but also how they are assessed as healthy and vibrant.
"The Pitchforks Are Coming… For Us Plutocrats," Nick Hanauer
Though not city-focused, this article from "zillionaire" Nick Hanauer does touch on many themes pertinent to urban communities—wages, jobs, and demographic insularity or "skyboxification." The stratification of communities (explored here on Common Place) is a worrying trend, as it can exacerbate class divisions and power imbalances. Hanauer is concerned about these trends and offers some prescriptions, but will his fellow rich care?
"Liberalism and Gentrification," Gavin Mueller
There have been many articles this year devoted to covering gentrification; yet none have attracted the attention Gavin Mueller's piece did. Strongly polemical, passionately written, and at times overly simplistic, Mueller's take on gentrification begins with Janes Jacobs and ends with an attack on liberalism, capitalism, and how those forces are destroying Washington, D.C.: "It’s important to understand what’s going on [in D.C]. A powerful capitalist class of bankers, real-estate developers, and investors is driving gentrification, using a mixture of huge loans (to which only they have access) and government funding to push land values higher." However one feels about Mueller's take, cities will need to understand and confront the complexities of gentrification.
"Will Portland Always Be a Retirement Community for the Young?," Claire Cain Miller
Not many cities have the cultural cachet of Portland, Oregon. With a relatively low cost of living, an abundance of natural beauty, an educated population, and a much-celebrated (or satirized) urban culture, Portland has become the ideal city. Claire Cain Miller set off a debate when she questioned the economic sustainability and wisdom of Portland's lauded bohemian-esque vibe—even Thriving Cities' own Tom Krattenmaker weighed in.
"Young and Restless: How is Your City Doing?"
Published in October, this report by City Observatory highlights several cities that experienced population growth from millennials. When they move into cities, millennials bring higher levels of income, creativity, technological familiarity, and social tolerance. Though there are legitimate worries about this influx of young folks, cities should be doing what they can to welcome America's largest generation.