Contemporary American politics is based, in large part, on the assumption that cities are failed creations. Different postcards come mailed from our idealized suburbs, as we all know. These are wildly popular images, and used with great effect to sell gated communities, home alarms and Republican candidates for Congress. Our television shows, our national magazine, our popular movies all take as their scene the decaying city and embattled suburbs. Unfortunately this picture of the world has next to nothing to do with reality.
Cities are a booming concern.
Downtowns from Pittsburgh to Atlanta to Tacoma are seeing renaissances as young knowledge workers and empty-nest boomers flock to the old commercial cores to join the funk of urban life. The Silicon Alley's effect of synergistic New Economy industrial development is drawing into the city software, light manufacturing and biotech companies. Populations are rising, economies are booming, and a new culture of urban life is blooming. Seattle, a prime example, has Belltown, Capitol Hill, Lower Queen Anne, Fremont, Phinney, Old Ballard, Wallingford, even Columbia City and Beacon Hill. Driving everywhere is out.