Cities and Governments

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Cities need government in the form of policing and dealing with congestion as well. I think many localities have let themselves be conquered by various interest groups and make it far too difficult to build. In the case of historic preservation districts, i would probably replace the sort of ever increasing swath of territory. An there are a few cities which are appropriate bruges for preserving old buildings rather than giving them away on new development.

Edward Glaeser of Harvard University and author of The Triumph of Cities talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about American cities. The conversation begins with a discussion of the history of Detroit over the last century and its current plight. What might be done to improve Detroit's situation? Why are other cities experiencing similar challenges to those facing Detroit? Why are some cities thriving and growing? What policies might help ailing cities and what policies have helped those cities that succeed? The conversation concludes with a discussion of why cities have such potential for growth.