Reimagining Cities-Disrupting the Urban Doom Loop

• The Role of Philanthropists, Foundations and Private Investors: Wealthy philanthropists and foundations play a crucial role in revitalizing struggling cities, as shown by the Detroit and Manhattan case studies. Both cities were among the wealthiest cities in the world 100 years ago, leading to the establishment of major foundations (e.g., Kresge, Mott and Ford Foundations in Detroit and Rockefeller, Ford and Carnegie Foundations in Manhattan). While not all cities have foundation resources, they may have wealthy local investors, as shown in Detroit with the Karmanos, Ford, Ilitch and Gilbert families. • The Knowledge and Experience Economies: The knowledge and experience economies both demand walkable urban places to attract intellectual and creative capital, as well as new residents and employees for current and future WalkUPs. The Amazon HQ2 economic development request for qualification, highlighted in the Seattle case study, demonstrates that offering cash incentives to lure knowledge economy companies is less effective than investing in walkable urban infrastructure. Creating and enhancing walkable urban areas is key to attracting future economic development.

• Quick and Forward-Looking Government Actions: Quick, forward-looking actions of local governments, along with support from state and federal governments, are crucial in addressing episodic doom loops and ensuring a city’s fast recovery. The New Orleans case study demonstrated this lesson learned. • Make the Right Thing Easy: As shown in the Detroit case study, reducing excessive city influence and controls on development can lead to quick and major redevelopment. While most cities will want some degree of oversight through zoning, building codes and social investments, adopting quick and easy regulatory frameworks can accelerate the redevelopment process tremendously. “Form-based codes,” which will be further explained in the final section (Conclusions and Recommendations), will expand upon this concept.

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