"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

Post-Trump Reflections: Fixing Blue Cities

50 snips

Nov 13, 2024

Urban development in American cities faces intriguing challenges, especially in blue cities like San Francisco and New York. The discussion dives into historical shifts, policing strategies, and generational perspectives on crime. With changing public attitudes, progressive policies are scrutinized, revealing complexities in urban management. Personal safety and the ongoing homelessness crisis are pivotal themes, as speakers reflect on their experiences and propose policy changes to enhance livability. It's a deep dive into the socio-political dynamics shaping urban life.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Urban Renaissance

American cities experienced a revival in the late 20th century after a period of decline.
Factors like the rise of knowledge industries and a decrease in crime contributed to this resurgence.

INSIGHT

Creative Class and Urban Revival

The rise of knowledge industries and the creative class drew people back to cities.
Dating apps and specialized shopping areas further enhanced the appeal of urban living.

ANECDOTE

NYC Crime Drop

New York City saw a dramatic drop in murders from 2,245 in 1992 to 230 in 2014.
This decrease is attributed to increased policing, including broken windows policing and stop and frisk.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Bobos in paradise

The New Upper Class and How They Got There

David Brooks

In this book, David Brooks introduces the term 'Bobo' to describe the new upper class that combines the bourgeois world of capitalist enterprise with the hippie values of the bohemian counterculture. Brooks explores the ideology, manners, and morals of this elite, discussing their shopping habits, business culture, intellectual, social, and spiritual lives. He traces the origins of this affluent educated class and contrasts their lifestyle with that of the 1950s, highlighting their unique blend of materialism and idealism. The book also examines where this Bobo elite is headed and their impact on modern society.

The Rise of the Creative Class

And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure, Community and Everyday Life

Richard Florida

In this book, Richard Florida argues that creativity is becoming a crucial component of the modern economy. He identifies a new social class, the 'creative class,' which includes professionals such as engineers, managers, academics, musicians, researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, and lawyers. These individuals create new forms and drive economic growth, determining the success of companies and cities. Florida discusses how the creative class values diversity, tolerance, and lifestyle options, and how cities can attract this class by fostering technological infrastructure, talent, and tolerance. The book also explores how the creative ethos is changing personal relationships, choices of where to live, and the use of time[3][4][5].

Hatching Twitter

A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal

Nick Bilton

In 'Hatching Twitter,' Nick Bilton chronicles the tumultuous birth and rise of Twitter, focusing on the quartet of founders: Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams. The book delves into the personal conflicts, betrayals, and high-stakes power struggles that marked the company's early growth. Drawing on extensive research, including hundreds of sources and internal documents, Bilton provides a gripping narrative that reveals the complexities of technology startups, venture capital, and Silicon Valley culture. The story underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration in bringing a groundbreaking idea to life.