What Jane Jacobs can teach us about the economy
People are giving the work of Jane Jacobs — urbanist, writer, and activist — a second look, but not for her urban pioneering and development work — for her economic vision.
Most know Jane Jacobs as the ultimate champion of cities, who stood up against neighborhood demolition and saw a vibrant ballet where others saw urban squalor. But three years since her death — and a year into a downturn marked by bailouts, foreclosures and sky-high unemployment — her economic vision has come into the spotlight.“ …. [The Death and Life of Great American] Cities and the Wealth of Nations came out 25 years ago. But the dynamics described are eerily familiar.
Last week, I started The Economy of Cities, and while it doesn’t seem to measure up to the wisdom in The Nature of Economies, it could no doubt provide insight (if not a roadmap) for revitalization in urban areas.
