Changing Urban Heirarchy Could Spark A New Era Of Urban Development

Joel Kotkin says the nation's biggest cities are weakening while smaller urban centers are gaining power. This dramatic shift will launch a new era of urban development.

1 minute read

September 8, 2003, 8:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"There is a dramatic shift afoot in urban fortunes, weakening the clout of the biggest cities while spreading power and influence to scores of smaller centers...the nation's urban hierarchy is flattening out...This is good news for America's cities -- and for America. For many cities in the South and Midwest, spreading the wealth could signal the dawn of an era of renewed urban development, a new cosmopolitanism and growing cultural, technological and economic influence. For the long-dominant coastal cities, it offers an opportunity to rethink their priorities and where they want to go. For the country as a whole, it means a more vibrant, heterogeneous landscape, more living choices, a livelier cultural and social panorama -- let's face it, a nation that's more vital and more fun."

Thanks to C. P. Zilliacus

Sunday, September 7, 2003 in The Washington Post

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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