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

Sunday, September 12, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

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