Play the place development game

Last week I had the opportunity to connect with a longtime friend and fellow urban planner from Oakland, CA. He's a part of the Place Foundry community.

Of course, we talked about place development and the future of cities. Bob said something about cities that stood out to me.

"David, most people care about and identify with their neighborhood and the region they live. They are not thinking or caring about municipal boundary lines, except for taxes."

It's true.

We might live in one community, work in another, and shop in both places or online. Cities are competitive. It always has been that way and will always be.

As I see it, today's difference in communities that define their place value proposition and prioritize strategies around people, land, and the marketplaces will win in an error of declining birthrates and population growth.

We usually don't see boundary lines in our neighborhoods or commercial corridors unless we're voting for someone or figuring out a lower tax environment.

Most people will choose a magnetic and inclusive place that meets their needs or stage of life.

Places (towns, villages, and cities) need to play nice. So it's even more critical for them to play the thriving places game. Thanks, Bob, for the reminder.