Fresh off the latest CEOs for Cities annual conference in Pittsburgh, Soapbox caught up with president and CEO, Carol Coletta. She happily agreed to blog for us this week. Be sure to visit each blog on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as Carol poses some questions, as well as insight, into the importance of innovative cities as vital components to a succesful future.
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Soapblog 3
Posted By: Carol Coletta
6/5/2008
Here’s a surprise: The most politically active Americans now believe that we cannot have a strong nation without strong cities. Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, city dwellers or suburbanites, Americans are now convinced that cities are key to solving the problems our nation faces.
According to political pollster Celinda Lake, this belief is so strongly held, it has transcended belief to become a value. For someone who’s been at this work since the mid-70s (when I was trying to get downtown Memphis going again), this feels like a real triumph. (In my arrogant moments, I feel it confirms that my belief in cities was right all the time.)
Americans view cities as the means to keep America competitive in a global economy with a continuous stream of innovations; the best places to give people access to jobs and opportunities; the places where culture comes alive for locals and visitors alike.
Political donors are even willing to punish politicians who don’t support cities.
Now that Americans believe cities are more important than ever before, is Cincinnati ready to take advantage of that? Are there visible reminders that Cincinnati is the source of innovation in the region, the best place to connect people with opportunity? Does Cincinnati embrace its urbanity? Is Cincinnati connecting with America’s new values?
If not, you are missing the best opportunity cities have had for success in 50 years.