As mentioned on this blog the other day, Steven Pedigo, research manager for the Greater Washington Initiative was the guest moderator of an online discussion at the WashingtonPost.com earlier today.
The transcript is up and it is an interesting read with questions about greater DC, Peoria, mixed use development, and the role of openness in creative environments. Here is a taste:
“Q: Washington, D.C.: Economist Jane Jacobs wrote that cities should be the economic units of comparison, not states or countries. Considering vibrant cities attract the biggest economic contributors to national economies, so far as they don’t attract too many people who aren’t substantial contributors to the urban economy (according to Jacobs), how should cities act to attract talent — how should DC weigh social costs of gentrification with growing vibrancy?
A: Steven W. Pedigo: Ok Washington, DC…
Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities is one of my favorite books. Jacobs would say that a successful city/ region has to have folks of all backgrounds and income levels. So you’re right on target. The region must be mindful of this as it changes and grows. Just off the top of my head, measures for growing inequality could be the increase of property taxes on fixed income residents, the migration of residents to more “affordable areas,” etc.
In terms of attracting and retaining world-class talent, a region/ city can emphasize the strong ties to local universities and industries and market the desirable regional assets. In terms of marketing, my organization, the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI) just launched a new ad campaign that builds on the region’s highly educated workforce. You can check our ads out on our website.”
(posted by David)
