Richard Florida and the New Urban Crisis

From the Creative Class to the New Urban Crisis author Richard Florida continues to challenge ideas about urban development and the economics behind it. His latest visit to Milwaukee and more importantly to the Near West Side allowed him to share his new concepts and themes outlined his latest book, "The New Urban Crisis".

I had the opportunity to attend Mike Gousha's "On the Issues" at Marquette University in which Richard Florida spoke about the five dimensions of this urban crisis including "winner-take-all urbanism" and the "disappearing middle" - the dwindling middle class who rely on low pay blue collar and service industry jobs.

A few highlights from the discussion:

Near West Side Anchor Institutions

During the discussion Richard Florida highlighted NWSP, giving credence to our work in the Near West Side in which anchor institutions (a.k.a. "ed's and med's" or "towns and gowns") are stepping up and leading efforts in urban revitalization. Richard notes that this is the model of the future for many cities.

Building Affordable Housing

Middle class workers need places to live and with perceptions being so negative about affordable housing many communities are not embracing the concept of housing the people that truly "make this world go round". Florida understands the importance of affordable housing. The Near West Side has a long history of providing housing not just for the historic beer barons but also for the factory workers of Harley-Davidson, Miller and Pabst. And we continue that tradition with one of the most dense communities in the City of Milwaukee.

Faith In Local Government

Faith in local government continues to grow as federal government continues to see shrinking numbers. Richard highlights this fact and even makes a case similarly made by Milwaukee's former mayor, John Norquist in an Urban Milwaukee op-ed piece. There is a case to be made that local government should see more of its revenue stay home while also empowering local government to have more say in it's own destiny.

In summary, NWSP's unique strategy is being spoke about among the leading urban thinkers of our time. This supports the work that NWSP and our many supporters will continue to do.

Thanks to Mike Gousha and Marquette University's Law School staff for the opportunity to join the conversation.