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作者

Russell Fricano

来源

JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS,Vol.42,Issue4,P.694-696

语言

英文

关键字

作者单位

Minnesota State University Mankato

摘要

Why do some cities experience spectacular economic growth while others continually decline? How do particular cities experiencing decline recover and revitalize? Steven and Andrea Koven examine these issues in a fascinating case study of four U.S. cities: Detroit, Michigan; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Austin, Texas. Chapter 1 begins with an overview of various concepts which explain the dynamics of an urban region: theories of urban growth, regime character and tradition, theories of economic development and internal and external influences. Of particular interest to the authors is Joseph Schumpeter’s conception of “Creative Destruction,” with the urban economy in a constantly changing state as new products and businesses pose a threat to existing institutions and regimes. The destruction of the economic status quo comes at a cost: stagnation and lost employment. On the other hand, it also leads to increased productivity and employment in new economic sectors and geographic locations. In view of these concepts, the authors evaluate the growth or decline in their subject cities in a series of well-structured analyses. They look at changes in the economic, political and social environment; demographic, economic and social trends; political leadership; the image of the city; along with explanations for growth, decline or revitalization. Chapter 2 presents a case study of Detroit as an epitome of a city in decline from its pinnacle of innovation in automotive manufacturing, through its dramatic and self-perpetuating descent. Most notably, the auto industry was unable to meet the market demand for fuel efficient vehicles in the early 1970s. Detroit never completely recovered. Dysfunctional city government plagued with corruption—as well as crime, racial tension and White flight to the suburbs—exacerbated Detroit’s demise. Because of the predominance of highly paid heavy manufacturing employees, Detroit lacked the human capital needed to accommodate the changing technological demands of a post-industrial economy. The authors next examine two cities, Boston and Minneapolis, that recovered from a decline in key industries and successfully revitalized. Boston has a tradition of Puritan roots with a strong orientation toward “religion, higher learning and good government” (p. 61). Boston demonstrated resilience in recovering from a decline in maritime commerce and, later, textile manufacturing (Chapter 4). A major turning point occurred in the 1950s, following the administration of Mayor James Michael Curley. He worked with business leaders and bankers to improve the city’s economic base. By utilizing university experts, Boston was able to achieve a balance between developers and neighborhood activists. The city’s vibrant education base, healthcare, banking and finance also enhanced its economic growth. An emphasis on the scientific research of its educational institutions and research funding helped to “grow’ the level of human capital. Minneapolis recovered from a decline in flour milling through government reform and effective planning. The late 19th and early 20th centuries was characterized by political corruption. A political turnaround took place during the mid-1940s when political and business leaders promoted law enforcement, clean government and civil rights. This resulted in increased trust of government which facilitated its active role in the city’s revitalization and successful urban and regional planning. The Gateway Project of the 1950s demolished deteriorating sections of downtown and the Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA) utilized economic growth subsidies to create and retain jobs. The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Fiscal Disparities Program reduced economic inequality between poor and affluent communities, and the creation of the Met Council in 1967 promoted comprehensive regional planning which included equitable finance and diversified economic growth. In general, Minneapolis effectively has leveraged its hidden strengths, its well-developed educational knowledge, financial, governmental, labor and nonprofit sectors. These strengths leave Minneapolis in a favorable position to benefit from the global demand for technology-based goods and services. Chapter 5 highlights Austin as a model of continual growth and prosperity. Austin never acquired a large manufacturing base, which made the city immune from the foreign competition that impacted Rust Belt cities. Instead, Austin built its economy on high technology businesses and value-added products in demand globally. Emerging from modest beginnings, Austin drew its strengths as a center for education with the University of Texas, and government as the state capital. With a highly educated work force and strong public services and amenities, Austin has attracted business and has experienced strong economic growth. While Austin shares the pro-business environment of its state, it is also unique for its liberal and bohemian ambiance; this appeals to the creative class and other high-tech employees. Decision makers in Austin continue to strive for a balance between the environmentalists’, preservationists’ and development interests. Chapters 6 and 7 wrap-up the book with a discussion of the pros and cons of globalization and its implications. Globalization facilitates efficient production and trade. Consequently, consumers benefit from less costly goods and greater efficiency leads to the comparative advantage of a region. However, globalization comes at a cost, with unemployment and displaced workers. Infant industries also need protection from foreign competition to survive; some places engage in “dumping” or flooding markets with less expensive goods. Increased ability to transfer technology and capital and improved education in foreign countries also pose a risk to U.S. jobs. The Kovens underscore how government at all levels can impact economic development. The federal government can subsidize and stabilize industries, as in the case of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that subsidized automotive manufacturers and financial institutions. State and local governments can provide various incentives including abatements, can invest in manufacturing facilities or can persuade foreign manufacturers to locate their facilities in their jurisdiction. They also observe a clever paradox, that in the face of dynamic economic development, “the only factor that is constant is the factor of change” (p. 194). The experiences of cities which have revitalized, such as Boston and Minneapolis, reflect “perpetual reinvention.” As globalization and institutions affect urban economies, resilient cities explore new growth sectors and become innovative and adaptive. Growth, Decline, and Regeneration’s main strength is its straightforward and systematic dissection of the complexities of urban growth and decline. The authors support their narrative with well-presented statistics and graphics. However, I do have a concern. The analysis of growth and decline is rudimentary and, in some ways, incomplete. Furthermore, the book does not tell us anything new about suburbanization; we know that jobs are dispersed in most U.S. metropolitan areas. The authors should have identified ways that urban regions can utilize suburbanization, such as specialized sub centers that complement each other. Finally, growth Incentives and strategies are mentioned in a general manner, without weighing their merits. The book could leave its reader with a sense of despair for Detroit and other Rust Belt cities. However, Rust Belt cities such as Cleveland, Indianapolis, and St. Louis have achieved some success in transforming a manufacturing base to one centered on services and high technology utilizing competitive advantages (a waterfront location) and entrepreneurial leadership and public-private coalitions (Wilson & Wouters, 2003). Despite these limitations, Growth, Decline and Regeneration in Large Cities is essential reading for understanding the dynamics of urban growth or decline. It is best used as a starting point for more advanced study. The book is suitable for introductory level courses in urban studies, urban economics, economic development and urban geography. Elected officials and economic development practitioners would also benefit from the book’s coverage of revitalization strategies, regional governance, university collaborations, and high technology development. Disclosure statement No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author. Reference Wilson, D. , & Wouters, J. (2003). Spatiality and growth discourse: The restructuring of America’s Rust Belt cities. Journal of Urban Affairs , 25(2), 123–138. doi:10.1111/1467-9906.t01-1-00002  [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]