Why I Don't Love Richard Florida

In classifying a whole host of occupations as "creative," our leading pop economist overstates the influence of urban professionals.

1 minute read

March 2, 2005, 8:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Now cities are back in fashion, thick with new museum buildings, loft-style apartments, noodle bars, and boutique hotels. This trend naturally has its own pundit, Richard Florida...swami of the 'Creative Class'

He seized on a process that's been playing out in American cities really since they hit bottom in the 1970s: the Soho phenomenon, where artists reclaim undervalued real estate, give it a new purpose and value, and make it appealing to the real estate industry again.

...in his argument in favor of economic development based on the arts and on businesses favored by the kind of people who enjoy the arts, he seems to have exaggerated either the size or the creativity of his Creative Class."

Thanks to Julie Taraska

FULL STORY: Planetizen TechTalkWhy I Don't Love Richard Florida

Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in MetropolisMag.com

Community / Economic Development United States

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