The Creative Class Vs. Sewer Socialism

Cities need a back-to-basics strategy, writes Joel Kotkin. Strategies that cater to the creative class are not going to revitalize cities.

1 minute read

September 13, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Cities' declining political clout is reflected in the state of urban policy. The focus now is on what sociologist John Kasarda calls "visual prosperity" the attempt to dress up urban areas with fancy edifices, cultural attractions and high-end housing... There is an alternative to the culture-and-arts approach to revive declining cities. It's sewer socialism, a back-to-basics strategy that encourages business investment and the development of healthy neighborhoods."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Sewer Socialism

Sunday, September 12, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

Government / Politics California

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