Sunday, September 29, 2013

Houston tries to make itself attractive to the Millenials

This Houston Chronicle story is behind a pay-wall, but it fits our general discussion of cities as networks of economic interests. It also tells us something about how the more vibrant cities do what they can to continually re-position themselves so that they remain vibrant.

Often this means ensuring that the city is appealing to the young since they are the engines that drive future growth.

The story - Mid Main project will ride with the millennials - details a development in the midtown area, on the light rail line between downtown and the Museum District, which is geared to wards the 18-32 year old demographic. Developers hope it will be the first of money other such projects, and it comes after other efforts to make the area hip.

Much of this effort requires partnerships between the public and private sector in order to make it happen. I'll post a few separate items about the institutions and rules that try to make that a reality. Remember that Houston still suffers from a general sense that it is looked down upon nationally, so it has to try hard to overcome that reputation.