Can Cities Give Gen Y What They Need?

John McIlwain of Urban Land, recently took a position supporting Kotkin's position--that gen Y DOES want the same kinds of things their parents wanted, including owning their own home.

However, he's quick to point out that most of them can't, and won't, be able to afford those same things for some time. In other words, Kotkin, who relies on a pre-Great Recession 2006 poll of gen Ys to make his point, doesn't distinguish between wants and needs.

In the meantime, this group will continue to find acceptable substitutes until the job market turns around--meaning they're looking for affordable and walkable (yet still attractive) places to live. Are cities providing this generation what they're looking for?

Read the article online.

Built Environment vs. Untouched Environment

A new blueprint, Measure R, approved the development of new high rises in downtown Berkeley and seems to be causing a rift between environmentalists.

An article in the New York Times reported the Sierra Club, who backed the plan, is finding that not all of its members are happy with the planned development.

On their website, the Sierra Club's Initiative to Limit Total Greenhouse Emissions states that they're working to curb greenhouse gas 80% by 2050. They argue that Measure R will support that initiative by reducing commutes and the growth of suburbs.

“The Sierra Club has come around to the idea that infill development is the way to go if you’re going to protect open space in other places,” said Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley, who supported Measure R.

Those against the plan argue that it encourages urban development and living, and see promoting density as "colluding with developers."

Is smart growth environmentally friendly or unfriendly? Tell us where you stand.

Read the article online.

Public Transportation as a Regional Amenity

The trend continues, as we see more stories popping up about people and companies across the country choosing public transportation as their mode of transit.

An article on the Wall Street Journal's website quoted John Mackey, of Cornish & Carey in Redwood City, saying that "demand for downtown office space is being driven by start-ups wanting better access to public transportation and to be in walking distance to restaurants."

The Denver Post also recently looked into the trend, talking with national law firm Perkins Coie and their decision to move into a new building close to Union Station. The reason, said Bob Miller, the managing partner of the firm's Denver office, is that "we thought it's where all the action is moving in downtown Denver. For the staff and attorneys, it's really been a boon because of all the public transportation. It allows a lot of us not to drive cars."

Note that public transportation is important for attorneys just as much as paralegals and secretaries.

Read both full articles online and leave a comment to let us know if you're caught up in the public transit trend as well.

Union Station becoming next hot destination (The Denver Post)

Start-Ups Are Drawn to Pulse of Downtown (Wall Street Journal)

Community Success Is No Accident

What's something that prosperous cities have in common? They know better than to put all their eggs in one basket.

Or, rather, put all of their economic success in the hands of one source—be it company, plant or person. William Fulton, author of Romancing The Smokestack: How Cities And States Pursue Prosperity, explores the successes and failures of communities.

We continue to see cities, unsuccessfully, think that by getting the next big company to move to their city they'll reap economic benefits. But smart cities must encourage and help develop new business, skilled labor and research in order to reap in the economic gains.

Read more in his new book, Romancing The Smokestack: How Cities And States Pursue Prosperity, or read the excerpted article.

Walkabout with an Urbanist

Wondering what an urbanist-blogger looks and thinks like? Sam Newberg, known to many as "Joe Urban," is interviewed by Jon Spayde in this article posted online.

Environment and Gadgets Taking Front Seat over Cars

Another trend researchers are finding among Gen Y: choosing to not drive cars.

MSNBC reported in a recent article that Gen Y is less interested in owning cars than previous generations.

Access to public transit, concern for the environment and wanting to spend money on the latest technology are all contributing factors of not wanting (or needing) a car.

Less interest in cars equals less interest in the lifestyles that are car-dependent—meaning manufacturers might not be the only ones hurt by this millennial trend.

Read the article by Allison Linn.