Mid-Sized Cities (MSC) are having an increasing impact on the economy although they have formally been unaccounted for. Through analytical examination of four articles, one specifically on two MSC, two concerning England and in respect to France, the varying ideologies about MCS are apparent. For instance the numerous definitions of MSC depending on the region, weaknesses and strengths of MSC, and finally, social and economic attributes connected to policies influenced by the ideas of a ‘creative class’ or ‘creative cities’. Mid-sized cities have an important role in the economy and must be recognized for their contribution.
Mid-Sized Cities Defined Mid-sized cities (MSC) definition varies depending on the geographical location we are referencing. …show more content…
The 3T’s (talent, technology and tolerance) has led to a growth of cities, has had a positive impact on migration and a growth of jobs in MSC (Puissant & Lacour). Since the 1990’s, a call for knowledge based development and creativeness has arisen (Puissant & Lacour). Therefore the need for artist, scientist and engineers in cities emerges and their influence can be seen in policies affecting social and economic attributes. O’Meara’s article touched on social policies made in Portland and Curitiba that have supported MSC to be successful, policies reflecting ‘creative cities’. For example the ‘citizenship streets’ program targeted poor neighborhoods, giving families access to services and gain an education on loans and job opportunities (O’Meara). The program was an innovated idea using education to solve the specific problem of unemployment and thus creating a richer environment for the city. O’Meara mentions Jane Jacobs’s ideologies about the need to prohibit city layouts to separate rich and poor, including shared green spaces. This idea is illustrated in Portland, as mentioned above, with the parks in the city declining crime through the involvement of children on street directly helping maintain the parks. Portland, in addition, created policies that one percent of a budget for a new building be spent on public art and mandatory ground floor windows (O’Meara). These ideas are linked to the need for the arts as well as scientist and engineers to maintain a culturally vibrant
Mid-Sized Cities Defined Mid-sized cities (MSC) definition varies depending on the geographical location we are referencing. …show more content…
The 3T’s (talent, technology and tolerance) has led to a growth of cities, has had a positive impact on migration and a growth of jobs in MSC (Puissant & Lacour). Since the 1990’s, a call for knowledge based development and creativeness has arisen (Puissant & Lacour). Therefore the need for artist, scientist and engineers in cities emerges and their influence can be seen in policies affecting social and economic attributes. O’Meara’s article touched on social policies made in Portland and Curitiba that have supported MSC to be successful, policies reflecting ‘creative cities’. For example the ‘citizenship streets’ program targeted poor neighborhoods, giving families access to services and gain an education on loans and job opportunities (O’Meara). The program was an innovated idea using education to solve the specific problem of unemployment and thus creating a richer environment for the city. O’Meara mentions Jane Jacobs’s ideologies about the need to prohibit city layouts to separate rich and poor, including shared green spaces. This idea is illustrated in Portland, as mentioned above, with the parks in the city declining crime through the involvement of children on street directly helping maintain the parks. Portland, in addition, created policies that one percent of a budget for a new building be spent on public art and mandatory ground floor windows (O’Meara). These ideas are linked to the need for the arts as well as scientist and engineers to maintain a culturally vibrant