Growing ‘creative class’ key to city’s economic growth, study says

Houston ranks seventh nationally in potential for economic growth, measured by its development of a "creative class," according to an analysis of more than 250 cities.

By ROMA KHANNA
Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle

The city’s innovation, talent pool and diversity have drawn a class of people essential to attracting new business, Richard Florida, a professor at Carnegie Mellon
University who wrote the study, told a Greater Houston Partnership conference on "quality of life" Thursday.

"The new economy myth that place would be irrelevant and that people could live and work in virtual places is false," Florida said. "The places that become talent magnets
win. And you guys are really doing stuff at the forefront."

Florida measured growth potential by studying cities’ technology, ability to attract talent and tolerance of diversity. Cities that cater to the desires of the "creative class,"
with culture, parks and street-level activities, are the most likely to experience economic growth, he said.

"We are going through a fundamental change in our society and economy," he said. "There has been a shift to creativity as the fundamental sources of economic growth.
And for the first time, giving people what we want in our lives is the economic factor that matters."

Florida’s analysis results will released in May in a book, The Rise of the Creative Class.

The group also discussed what the city will look like in 2012 — the year it hopes to host the Summer Olympics. Speakers predicted Houston will develop around a "grand
and signature" Main Street corridor.

"Main Street is our one avenue that connects different aspects of our community," said Ed Wulfe of the Main Street coalition. "It is a wonderful example of our diversity
and how we come together in so many ways from the Museum District to midtown."

The city’s business center, which would move to the east side, would feature multifunction complexes that bring together offices, parks and shopping. Key to the city’s
growth, speakers said, is development of the light rail system.

"Our ability to offer a ‘celebration corridor’ is a main aspect of the revised 2012 Olympic bid we are preparing," said George DeMontrond, chairman of the bid committee.
"Convincing people that Houston is a nice place to visit has been a challenge. Quality of life issues are essential to our future."

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.hts/metropolitan/1325409