Cities Matter: A Montrealer's Ode to Jane Jacobs

Cities Matter is a book by Ramsay that explores why cities exist, how they can be justified in light of environmental concerns, and how they can contribute to the economy. It incorporates Jane Jacobs's writings on economics and proposes practical exercises for comparing urban and suburban living conditions, real estate investments, and transport-cost analysis. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Ramsay believes cities will continue to thrive and that Jane Jacobs would agree.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Baraka Books

Cities have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years, providing a hub for economic, social, and cultural activity. However, in recent years, there has been a growing chorus of voices questioning the necessity and sustainability of cities. Some argue that cities are too congested, polluted, and unsustainable, and that we should move towards a more decentralized and rural way of life. Others argue that cities are essential for economic growth, innovation, and social mobility, and that they can be made more sustainable through smart planning and sustainable technologies.

Given the climate crisis and environmental concerns, it is natural to ask how we can justify living in cramped quarters in cities. One answer to this question is provided by Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and economist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers on cities. Jacobs argued that cities are not just physical places, but also complex ecosystems that are shaped by the interactions of their residents, businesses, and infrastructure. She believed that cities should be designed to promote diversity, resilience, and sustainability, and that they should be places where people can live, work, and play in harmony with the natural world.

In his book "Cities Matter: Why Cities Are the Key to Our Future," economist Ramsay explores the economic relationships between cities and nations and international trade. He has corralled much of Jane Jacobs's writings on economics, in a palatable and concise format, and explains classical economic geography, such as central location theory, and Alfred Marshall's economies of agglomeration. Ramsay also proposes real-life exercises for regular people wishing to compare suburban and urban living conditions, real estate investments, or transport-cost analysis for businesses.

One of the key insights that Ramsay provides is that cities are not just places where people live and work, but also engines of economic growth and innovation. He argues that cities are hubs for knowledge exchange, creativity, and entrepreneurship, and that they are essential for promoting economic development and reducing poverty. Ramsay also notes that cities are important for social mobility, providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to rise to the top and achieve their dreams.

Despite the many challenges that cities face, such as congestion, pollution, and climate change, Ramsay believes that cities have a bright future. He argues that cities can be made more sustainable through smart planning and sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy, public transportation, and green infrastructure. He also believes that cities can be designed to promote diversity, resilience, and sustainability, and that they can be places where people can live, work, and play in harmony with the natural world.

In conclusion, cities matter. They are essential for economic growth, innovation, and social mobility, and they can be made more sustainable through smart planning and sustainable technologies. While there are many challenges that cities face, there is also a great opportunity to create a better future for ourselves and for future generations. By understanding the economic and social relationships between cities and the natural world, we can design cities that are both prosperous and sustainable.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771863049