Victor David Hanson uses a broad historical perspective to examine the causes of the rise and fall of former world cities. He argues that the computer driven, global age will accelerate the process of growth and decline.
Rome, Athens, Florence, Byzantium and Ephesus are all cities of the same breed. Former capitals of politics, finance, industry or empire that saw their power and influence fade as the world around them changed. Hanson begins to examine the natural and human causes behind the pattern which is set to replay in New York.
He argues that the only way to sooth bi-racial tensions are by making a city multi-racial, and that good governance and sensible tax structures of the sort implemented in New York since the 1990s have served to renew the city in a way that is not possible in, for example, Detroit. What could end New York "as we know it," is commercial failure and flight of capital, similar to that which doomed renaissance Florence.
Hanson claims that New York's swerve towards being a "completely redistributive city," will result in a similar departure of banks and bankers to lower tax Southern or Midwestern states eager to couch it. The city's broad network of theaters, art, universities and foundations neutered without the flowing financial incomes that support them.
FULL STORY: The Destiny of Cities
Around the Globe, Urban Diversity Is Alive and Well
It might feel like the world is shrinking as globalization expands, but many cities still have their individual characters and qualities.
What's Left for Venice in Its Golden Years?
Josh Stephens muses on the modern state of an erstwhile global capital that has kept its aesthetic charms, but lost its anima.
Can the Colombian Renaissance Be Sustained?
Globalization has spurned a renaissance in the formerly crime-ridden Colombian city of Medellin. But some worry that the city's improvements may only be temporary.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service