The Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
A good friend recommended reading this book. Chapter 12 is entitled, "The Power of Place" under the Creativity and Place section, it states:
The human capital theory says that economic growth will occur in places that have highly educated people. This begs the question: Why do creative people cluster in certain places? In a world where people are highly mobile, why do they choose to live in and concentrate in some cities over others and for what reasons?
While economists and social scientists have paid a lot of attention to how companies decide where to locate, they have virtually ignored how people do so. This is the fundamental question I sought to answer. With little in the way of academic studies or literature to guide me, I began simply by asking people how they make their decisions about where to live and work.
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Somewhere in the answers to that question, also lies the answer of how to implement the Hughesville Revitalization Plan. During the creation of the plan, hundreds of Hughesville residents voiced their wishes regarding what they'd like to see in Hughesville. Of course, those individuals have already made the choice to live there without those things existing, as yet. So, basically, it would seem those wishes were things they felt would enhance their experience living in Hughesville. I've been pondering what additional steps we could take, based on this thought process, to make the revitalization plan a reality. Any input would be welcome.
Hi- havent been to your site in a while and just read this entry.
This is what I have expounded on a lot in the past, including the planning for the "new" La Plata, which I am afraid is turning out the opposite of whta was planned.
Hughesville needs to stay on guard that expedience of others do not derail your well thought out plans.
When you travel the most popular and sought out places are those that are full of creative folk. These town or cities have a dispportunate number of eateries of ALL kinds (not chains- but local grown), art galleries, natural health type enterprises (chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, aromatherapty, reiki and ore) they are tolerant of all religions and all colors of people.
Debate is open and encouraged. There are lovely places to sit and congreagate outside to visit and collaborate and exchange ideas- outside stores, on sidewalks at cafes.
These places ae hugely tolerant of others and their ideas- a kind of live and let live place. And are usually quite crime free.
The energy created thru this, excites people to imagine even more, they can relax as there are places to walk and lounge, gardens to stroll and stress is releived.
Travel around and you will see - your favorite places will probably be where the creative live.
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