The New Allure of the City (and Some Unanticipated Consequences)

America is experiencing a city revival, long in coming for those concerned that our suburbanizing century had not produced the highest quality or most sustainable forms of settlement. Memories of mid-20th century urban decay have mostly faded. There is a partial return to the heart of the city from the places formerly seen as more hospitable to modern life. The city as spectacle is appealing to younger generations for whom suburban experience is commonplace and dull, and to older generations still active but desiring more diverse social and cultural contact then available across fences while mowing suburban lawns. A walk about town, an appreciation for something called “pedestrian urbanism” has gained favor, a welcome turn away from the reign of the car culture. The very attractions of city life are, however, bringing new stresses; population growth, congestion and rapidly rising costs of living, which if not dealt with wisely will diminish the long-term viability of this civic revival. The lecture will review both the causes and how best to manage America’s urban revival. 

This is not a Seminar Series event.