Decline of Urban Supremacy

The conversation highlights the perceived decline of urban supremacy, particularly in New York City, as people choose to settle in suburban areas instead of urban centers. Joel Kotkin points out that successful urban areas are increasingly dominated by tourism and lifestyle offerings, attracting fewer working-class families. This shift has resulted in cities becoming more bifurcated, with a gap between affluent residents and a growing population dependent on government assistance. Furthermore, he argues that New York is no longer seen as a necessary destination for success, prompting a need for policies that retain a robust middle class to sustain urban vitality.