Detroit Free Press series of editorials on the need for a national urban agenda

Nigel calls our attention to the latest installment in the Detroit Free Press' series of editorials on the need for federal involvement in urban revitalization, "Programs that invest in cities can be key to economic growth." There are more than 8 pieces so far, and they intend to produce more pieces through December.

The article discusses past federal programs, as well as successful programs in other communities such as Cleveland. Now I would quibble with the success of some of the programs the piece outlines, but the point about needing to focus on economic revitalization of center cities, which as Brookings Institution points out ("MetroPolicy: Shaping a New Federal Partnership for a Metropolitan Nation ") are the economic engines of the U.S. economy, of course I agree with.

From the article:

Healthy central cities attract and keep the young talent that drives the new knowledge-based economy. Members of the so-called creative class seek dense, diverse and walkable neighborhoods with access to mass transit. In other words, they want to live in cities that work -- and the lack of such places in Michigan has figured mightily in the exodus of young people from this state. With their transit systems and population density, cities are also certain to become more attractive to energy-conscious businesses, residents and developers.

End policies of neglect

After decades of neglect, the federal government must become a more aggressive partner in the economic redevelopment of cities, as called for by the International Economic Development Council. In that regard, presidential candidate Barack Obama's plan for a White House office of urban policy is encouraging.

Government cannot replace the private-sector in retooling urban and regional economies. Private enterprise is the engine of growth. But government can prime the pump, taking the market to places it would otherwise shun, with tax credits, grants or low-interest loans that stimulate private investment, fund technology and research, or help pay for worker training and education.