2007 SLC Blog

Today we will hear from Joel Kotkin from the New American Foundation. He is one of the countries experts on global, economic, political and social trends. In particular, he is a subject matter expert on how cities came to be.

As we wrap up this conference in Pittsburgh, one is struck by its historic strengths, immediate challenges and future opportunities. This is true of all of our cities. Some have more of a bent towards the historic, while others have a leaning towards the new.

Recently in Detroit there was an exhibit that is travelling to New York, Germany, and Tokyo. The exhibit, called Shrinking Cities, looked at communities across the world that share something in common. They are shrinking. As a matter of fact, there are over 350 cities in the world that are shrinking.

My own city of Detroit ---- once a population of 2 million. Today 700,000. Pittsburgh ---once one million strong now 300,000. This is a reality for not only many cities in the US, but across the world.

At dinner last night, I asked Joel "if you had the mayors, United Way execs, county execs, business leaders of these cities together, what advice would you give?"

He had a few thoughts:

• First, figure out who you are as a city. Don't try to be someplace else. Be who you are. "If you have a cool or hip campaign about your region, then your not cool or hip."
• A competitive advantage that many have is they can offer an affordable life. A middle class can actually grow and thrive. Unlike many of the cities on the coast where it has become virtually impossible. This is a huge opportunity he feels.
• Too often 'shrinking cities' get focused on stadiums and festivals, not neighborhoods and schools. Sustainable growth comes when you can return a middle class to the city. And a middle class want strong neighborhoods and good schools.

I like that we have a conference in a city that is working on the struggle of how to change and evolve. I like that I can see how our mission plays a role to this change effort.

To the Pittsburgh team, you did good. We appreciate all your hard work. Thanks for making the SLC a winner.