In February 2021, Johns Hopkins University Press published my new co-authored book Unlocking the Potential of Post-Industrial Cities. Mac McComas and I have written an urban economics book that takes a sober and realistic look at urban economic growth and quality of life in the key center cities of Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Philly, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Up until now, the book isn't generating much interest.
To do a better job marketing the book, I have recorded a video where I read chapter 1. We have also recorded plenty of other free book related content that is available here.
As a social scientist, I am curious about why our book isn't generating more interest. Our book embraces the logic of neo-classical economics. When cities lose population and jobs, this is a revealed preference test that people are "voting with the feet" to not be there. What can these cities do to better compete for footloose residents and jobs? I view this to be a key question.
At the end of the day, the future of these cities hinges on having the private sector grow and thrive. An alternative view is that the public sector should grow to provide basic services for people in these cities. I do not view this to be a cost effective solution or a long run sustainable solution. The young people in these cities (who are likely to continue to live in these cities) deserve to have access to safer streets, and a better education that prepares them for work in a market economy.
Our book embraces that capitalism is a positive force in improving urban quality of life. In 2021, is that an unpopular view?