Take that Richard Florida

[ajs]

As always, Thomas Frank nails it. Replace the word "vibrancy" with "re-vitalization" and you have Edmonton instead of Akron.
http://www.tcfrank.com/

[Thomas Hinderks]

Great article

Should be mandatory reading for the COE

My opinion

[mnugent]

Originally Posted by ajs

As always, Thomas Frank nails it. Replace the word "vibrancy" with "re-vitalization" and you have Edmonton instead of Akron.
http://www.tcfrank.com/

Except that's not really it at all. I agree with some criticisms of the creative-class theory but this city does need some revitalization. Edmonton has a bad reputation for a major Canadian city because it lacks the things that make people want to be here, as well as some bigger feeling urban environments. As a result we attract the least educated immigrants working in the lowest paying jobs (compared to the other five major Canadian cities). For example, I remember reading recently about how BioWare, Edmonton's big video game company couldn't attract enough employees who wanted to live here, so they open an office in Montreal. After meeting a lot of people travelling who had a weak perception of Edmonton after visiting it, I've seen how our city is losing out.

[ajs]

Sort of. Perhaps we "attract the least educated immigrants working in the lowest paying jobs" for structural (economic/political) reasons rather than not having enough hip cafes and barber shops.

[psiebold1]

I think the point of the article is that you develop within instead of relying on catching folks travelling about on a whim, as they do not stay. Pinning all your hope on them is what leads to wasted budgets and art that does not have much meaning to the people who are already there and are already invested in the community.

[psiebold1]

Originally Posted by ajs

Sort of. Perhaps we "attract the least educated immigrants working in the lowest paying jobs" for structural (economic/political) reasons rather than not having enough hip cafes and barber shops.

That too.

[Old Dawg]

Originally Posted by Thomas Hinderks

Great article

Should be mandatory reading for the COE

My opinion

Is there any way to get our Mayor to read this?
We have to stop comparing ourselves and start setting attainable goals.
The problems began way back when Reimer was leading the charge and at this point apparently ,our civil servants have the first and last say on the future of this place.
Such a shame. We are, collectively, a lot better than this.

[Medwards]

good lord is the post above mine ever jaded.

We, the collective taxpayers have the final say on everything. If you don't like it, don't vote for those that make the decisions you don't like.