Today’s blog begins a multi-part series that will look at 9 factors that influence a city’s livability. This series was inspired by an interview with musician turned author David Byrne that appeared in the September 11, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal. A link to the original article will follow this post.
According to David Byrne’s article, size is one of the nine factors that determine how livable a city is. If a city is too small, it is harder for individuals to find anonymity. In smaller cities, failures are remembered for a much longer period of time than in larger cities. Yet, it is this willingness to take risks, to try new things, to be willing to fail that generates new thoughts and leads to innovation. However, a city cannot be so large that the level of anonymity restricts residents from building communities and relationships. As we discussed last week, social capital is a major component of a successful city.
As a mid-sized metropolitan area, Pensacola offers a large enough area to provide anonymity, yet it is small enough to encourage community building relationships. However, Pensacola seems to be tied to a small town mentality. Perhaps it is time to look to other cities of similar size for inspiration on the best ways to make our size, and our assets, work for us.
Other successful metropolitan areas of similar size include Provo, UT , Madison, WI, and Reno, NV. Provo and Madison were both ranked in the Top 10 for quality of life for mid-sized metros, according to Biz Journals. Pensacola was ranked 80th out of 124 mid-sized metros.
The report listed the top 5 strengths for each of the top 10 metro areas. For Provo, Utah those strengths were : 1. Sizable inventory of large houses, 2. Strong population growth, 3. Relatively low unemployment rate, 4. Decent percentage of workers living close to home, 5. Nice selection of new houses.
For Madison, WI those strengths were: 1. Solid concentration of management jobs, 2. Strong concentration of adults with bachelor’s degrees, 3. Solid corps of young adults, 4. Sizable percentage of adults with advanced degrees, 5. Heavy share of adults with high school diplomas. You can view information on the remainder of the top 10 finalists here.
What can we learn from these other mid-sized cities to maximize our potential as a mid-sized city, and make the most of our size?
To read the David Byrne article in its entirety, please click here.
[...] remove all unsigned, anonymous comments as well as any vulgar or defamatory remarks. « How does size impact a city’s quality of life? [...]
Another city of note that has really taken to heart the revitalization of their downtown and outlying areas to increase the “live/work/play” stengths is Chattanooga, TN. A city that just 15 years ago was in need of a major face lift and core attractions to attract both tourists and residents a like. Chattanooga now boasts a new Aquarium, Art Center and shopping district right on the riverfront. And with the FREE electric trolleys and re-opening of the pedestrian bridge that links from Northshore to the heart of the city - it is an up and coming “best small/medium city” to be in! I know if Chattanooga can do it, so can Pensacola.