Why Cities Will Outlast the Pandemic Slump

A new report suggests that despite recent challenges, the ‘value proposition’ of urban activity centers remains as strong as ever.

2 minute read

November 1, 2022, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of high-rise buildings on waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts

Sean Pavone / Boston, Massachusetts

An analysis from the Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking presents evidence in favor of the argument that, despite pre-pandemic growth in suburban job centers and the pandemic-induced clearing out of central business districts, “cities’ value proposition is still very much intact.”

Tracy Hadden Loh and Jennifer S. Vey outline the results of the report for Bloomberg CityLab, writing that “these findings can inform city leaders on how workplace needs might continue to evolve — and how they can deploy policy and funding to shape a more resilient economic future.”

Presenting their evidence, Loh and Vey note that “In our model, every increase in median activity center job density of 1,000 jobs per square mile is worth an additional $1,723 in output per worker across the metro area.”

While correlation is not causation, this suggestive relationship between place and productivity is important for employers and workers to consider as they make decisions about where to locate — and for urban leaders to recognize as they work to sway those choices in their favor.

According to Loh and Vey, “There is substantial measurable value to employers and the economy when firms locate their workers in close proximity not just to their colleagues, but to workers from other firms and sectors.”

The authors describe steps cities can take to keep downtowns vibrant, such as ensuring frequent and reliable transit services to reduce the cost and time spent commuting, concentrating housing near job centers, and investing in inviting, safe, accessible public spaces that make people want to spend time in cities.

Friday, October 28, 2022 in Bloomberg CityLab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from a distance with freeway and trees in foreground.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods

A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

7 hours ago - USC Dornsife

Aerial view of Claifornia aqueduct with green orchard on one side.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy

California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

April 3 - Turlock Journal

Close-up of older woman's hands resting on white modern heating radiator mounted on wall indoors.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program

The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.

April 3 - The New York Times