Victor David Hanson uses a broad historical perspective to examine the causes of the rise and fall of former world cities. He argues that the computer driven, global age will accelerate the process of growth and decline.
Rome, Athens, Florence, Byzantium and Ephesus are all cities of the same breed. Former capitals of politics, finance, industry or empire that saw their power and influence fade as the world around them changed. Hanson begins to examine the natural and human causes behind the pattern which is set to replay in New York.
He argues that the only way to sooth bi-racial tensions are by making a city multi-racial, and that good governance and sensible tax structures of the sort implemented in New York since the 1990s have served to renew the city in a way that is not possible in, for example, Detroit. What could end New York "as we know it," is commercial failure and flight of capital, similar to that which doomed renaissance Florence.
Hanson claims that New York's swerve towards being a "completely redistributive city," will result in a similar departure of banks and bankers to lower tax Southern or Midwestern states eager to couch it. The city's broad network of theaters, art, universities and foundations neutered without the flowing financial incomes that support them.
FULL STORY: The Destiny of Cities
Around the Globe, Urban Diversity Is Alive and Well
It might feel like the world is shrinking as globalization expands, but many cities still have their individual characters and qualities.
What's Left for Venice in Its Golden Years?
Josh Stephens muses on the modern state of an erstwhile global capital that has kept its aesthetic charms, but lost its anima.
Can the Colombian Renaissance Be Sustained?
Globalization has spurned a renaissance in the formerly crime-ridden Colombian city of Medellin. But some worry that the city's improvements may only be temporary.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service