New Development Patterns for a New Economy
Leaders in all metropolitan areas must make decisions about their economic base and future growth patterns. Will they continue the late 20th century pattern of spread-out development that is hostile to pedestrians, bicyclists and transit? Or will they layer on top of this base a different pattern of growth that embraces the knowledge economy?
Transitioning to the 21st century knowledge economy – industries such as high technology, biomedical, professional services, advanced manufacturing, etc. – is inherently more risky. These new industries have not been able to obtain the government subsidies. States with knowledge-based economies send far more money to the federal government than they receive in return, the opposite of the 20th century economy states. Knowledge-based economies offer the choice of development patterns, both the familiar drivable suburban and walkable urban development.
Read more in the Sacramento Bee
