Our cities have never faced bigger challenges or higher stakes. With the Coronavirus pandemic still raging out of control, unemployment remains stubbornly high, local governments are rapidly running out of money, and small businesses are closing down in droves. Meanwhile, our hyper-polarized political climate, a renewed awareness of racial inequality, and the frequent increase of severe wildfires, hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters have heightened tensions across society. Our deep inequities and vulnerabilities are as raw and exposed as they have never been.
As business activity resumes, we can no longer kick these problems under the rug, debating or denying their existence. Our communities, lifestyles, and economies are being reshaped by these forces, whether we like it or not. The most immediate changes we are experiencing stem from the rise of remote work and the shifting economic geography. They are making people draw to rural and suburban areas for more private space while on the other hand others are more attracted to central cities. The question now is whether community and business leaders can handle those changes for resilient and inclusive growth.
Achieving a more resilient and equitable future will not be easy, but there are strategies and actions that we can adopt that will set up that process in motion.
1. Rethink the role of commercial and entertainment districts.
With many companies saying they will be leasing less office space in the future and the lingering anxiety about public transit and large public gathering places the neighborhoods, where these activities have been taking place will need to diversify their offerings. Encouraging mixed-use development in downtown office cores, satellite office parks, and entertainment districts will help keep these neighborhoods vibrant even if their core functions are diminished. Zoning restrictions could be loosened and financial incentives provided for residential conversions. Economic development officials should also consider diversifying the business clusters that already exist in their cities so that if one sector is particularly hard-hit, the whole regional economy will not be devastated.
2. Foster resilience through economic inclusion and diversification.
Small businesses particularly need extra help during this uncertain time. Often, city regulations hamper small businesses through onerous permitting processes; many cities are beginning to strip those processes away. Governments, anchor institutions, and large businesses can also develop targeted investment programs to help historically marginalized and underserved businesses, similar to anchor collaborative and local purchasing programs. While business attraction is always important, economic development officials also need to look at ways to retain and expand existing businesses. This can be done through the framework of collaboration and partnership described above.
3. Invest in the skills of all residents.
Cities need to align economic development and workforce priorities, creating a new pipeline of workers into strategic, talent-hungry sectors. Job training and workforce developments should guarantee the latest technologies to ensure workers are trained for future jobs. Likewise, these programs should provide wrap-around services, including childcare and mentoring, all in the same location, to make it easier for the people who need them the most to take full advantage of them.
4. Invest inequitable place-making centered on well-being.
The pandemic is transforming our public spaces. Many of the temporary changes cities have adopted, including outdoor dining and shared streets, should be made permanent. Streets (and neighbors) can adapt more quickly and seamlessly than previously imagined, so cities should be bold about prioritizing the most enjoyable, environmentally friendly, healthy, and economically vibrant uses for public space. These spaces are essential for bridging differences across society, celebrating different cultures and communities by bringing diverse groups together as one. The challenge posed by the pandemic also highlights the need to keep cities affordable for the working class. Community land trusts and land banks are another creative way cities can increase public space in the name of affordability and equity.
As important and urgent as it has been for local leaders to get our communities up and running again, the ultimate challenge is to make them stronger, more resilient, and more equitable than they have been in the past. COVID-19 and other recent events have exposed our existing weaknesses and blind spots, but they also point us to a better way forward. Economic development leaders now have an incredible opportunity to make their cities and regions more resilient in the face of future shocks. Cities that don’t act now will be left behind—not if, but when, the next crisis strikes.
Steven W. Pedigo is an expert in economic and urban development, city strategy and management, and placemaking. He has advised and collaborated with more than 50 cities, universities, developers, non profits, and Fortune 500 companies across the globe to build more creative, innovative, and inclusive communities. He serves as director of research and advising for the Creative Class Group, associate partner at Resonance Consultancy and a senior advisor for Leland Consulting