A Wish List for Enlivening Downtown Phoenix

Jensen takes issue with a recent op-ed by Steven Beschloss lamenting the lack of "creative urban energy" in downtown Phoenix, and his focus on the need to attract "a solid core of college grads" to drive a "creative dynamism." 

Jensen, instead, focuses on four primary elements (shade, connection, grocery, and density) that he believes should build on each other as the basis for creating a dynamic, active, livable downtown.

Although Jensen critiques Beschloss's recommendations as generic and "something that downtown inherently cannot solve," we would argue that the creative dynamism sought by Beschloss and the livable environment sought by Jensen are not mutually exclusive, but are connected ingredients for creating the type of lively downtown that both seek. In fact, the physical environment described by Jensen is essential to attracting and growing such a culture. 

We'll be paying attention, and hope you will to, as Jensen details his recommendations over the next month.