As someone who has straddled both living and working in both the city and the suburbs, I am finding the current discussion very disconcerting. I see the city and suburb relationship as symbiotic. Neither one should be viewed as superior to the other. They are simply different in character and involve a choice about how to live and work.
The strengths of cities have been pointed out by many notable personages. Yet, some of the Founding Fathers were not especially fond of cities including Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps, some of those deep- rooted feelings are embedded in sections in the Constitution. States rights under the Constitution are preserved and states determine many basic principles that go into governing the cities within their borders. Keep in mind that state legislatures have many representatives from outside cities that have their own distinct views on a range of topics that often conflict with urban views.
Cities are sought after for their universities, their healthcare institutions, their business centers, and their transportation networks. Proximity and an ease in exchanging ideas has been linked to concentrations of professionals in cities. Now that most workers are working from home, some of the fundamental ideas of why cities exist are being challenged in the present WFH arrangement. However, I still think that being able to walk down the hall to discuss an idea with a colleague in person has its place. Many scientific discoveries may not have had much chance for success without such exchanges. I can already hear the outcry that we can do all on this on Zoom, but many have pointed out that it is a bit different.
The suburb has been the champion of the single-family home with the relatively large lot. It would be extremely difficult and expensive to find such a property in the city. The concept of the community school in the suburb is in the pantheon of desirable characteristics. The quiet suburb may be considered somewhat less prone to the incidence of crime according to statistics. However, cities over the last decade with some notable exceptions have greatly reduced their crime rates due to several innovative approaches.
What about all the commuters who trudge back and forth to the city each day? It is hard to conjure up the image at present, but it was only five months ago when most of the transportation hubs were jammed with an overflow of humanity.
It is true that in the near term the virus is dictating our collective fate. There is much evidence to support the fact that some flight from cities is underway. One only must examine home sales to find evidence of the trend. But will this last? Perhaps, any exodus will last only if the virus is untamed. Many scientists are working towards a vaccine and various remedies that should bear fruit.
I have spent the last couple of weeks in New York City and it is sad to see how many storefronts have shuttered. The foot traffic is down but then again this is the season when many escape to the beaches. We may only be on the first part of the cycle, but the City always has a way of rebounding after time and healing. In this case, it is when the spread rate for the virus declines well below 1.0x.
And what of all the empty offices in the cities? Landlords may get a bit more creative. And there will be many more flexible working arrangements than ever before. Yet, most managers will want to engage the members of their group more than just from time to time. Of course, all this outcome depends on the line of work.
The role of financial support for cities and suburbs is a key part of the consideration. Suburbs rely on the property tax and state aid for the most part. Some suburbs also receive sales taxes either directly or indirectly. Many cities also have income taxes and sales taxes and an array of other taxes and fees in addition to the property tax. State and federal aid are also critical components of city revenues. Federal aid is key for jurisdictions that have responsibility for Medicaid. The Medicaid support largely flows through the State. States have much more of a direct role is providing aid for schools.
Cities and suburbs are part of the American fabric. There is no need to place them into conflict. Cities are bastions of freedom and preserve the value of self-expression. Suburbs also care greatly about shared values. Cities and suburbs have coexisted since the founding of the nation. They may compete and quibble in the quest for funding, but we are in this experience together ad infinitum.
John Hallacy
John Hallacy Consulting LLC
08/25/20
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