Why Don’t We Build New Cities?
Yearning for a blank slate crosses the ideological spectrum—but sooner or later, new places will face the same old problems.
By Jerusalem Demsas
The Atlantic, September 27, 2023
The article examines the ambitious proposal of building a new city in Solano County, backed by tech magnates. While it underscores the allure of starting from scratch, the piece critiques the viability of such a venture, emphasizing the complexities of urban politics and development. The secrecy surrounding land acquisition and skepticism about the project's intentions further muddle its prospects. The author suggests that the real solution to urban challenges is revitalizing existing cities rather than creating new ones.
The article could benefit from incorporating more diverse perspectives, especially from urban planners, current Solano residents, or environmentalists, to provide a fuller picture. While it delves into commuter patterns and city developments, the inclusion of maps or infographics might enhance understanding. Its narrative, which moves between historical context, Sramek's motivations, critiques, and urban development politics, could be presented with a clearer structure for better articulation of central arguments. A more in-depth examination of the financing behind such ambitious projects would be illuminating. Lastly, drawing from real-life examples of recent attempts to build new cities globally could provide valuable context and insights.
