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Smaller Cities in a Shrinking World: Learning to Thrive Without Growth
Over the past hundred years, the global motto has been “more, more, more” in terms of growth – of population, of the built environment, of human and financial capital, and of all manner of worldly goods. This was the reality as the world population boomed during the 1960s and 1970s. But reality is changing in front of our eyes. Growth is already slowing down, and according to the most sophisticated demographers, the earth’s population will begin to decline not hundreds of years from now, but within the lifetimes of many of the people now living on the planet.
In Smaller Cities in a Shrinking World , urban policy expert Alan Mallach seeks to understand how declining population and economic growth, coupled with the other forces that will influence their fates, particularly climate change, will affect the world’s cities over the coming decades. What will it mean to have a world full of shrinking cities? Does it mean that they are doomed to decline in more ways than simply population numbers, or can we uncouple population decline from economic decay, abandoned buildings and impoverishment?
Mallach has spent much of the last thirty or more years working in, looking at, thinking, and writing about shrinking cities—from Trenton, New Jersey, where he was director of housing and economic development, to other American cities like Detroit, Flint, and St. Louis, and from there to cities in Japan and Central and Eastern Europe. He has woven together his experience, research, and analysis in this fascinating, realistic yet hopeful look at how smaller, shrinking cities can thrive, despite the daunting challenges they face.
In Smaller Cities in a Shrinking World , urban policy expert Alan Mallach seeks to understand how declining population and economic growth, coupled with the other forces that will influence their fates, particularly climate change, will affect the world’s cities over the coming decades. What will it mean to have a world full of shrinking cities? Does it mean that they are doomed to decline in more ways than simply population numbers, or can we uncouple population decline from economic decay, abandoned buildings and impoverishment?
Mallach has spent much of the last thirty or more years working in, looking at, thinking, and writing about shrinking cities—from Trenton, New Jersey, where he was director of housing and economic development, to other American cities like Detroit, Flint, and St. Louis, and from there to cities in Japan and Central and Eastern Europe. He has woven together his experience, research, and analysis in this fascinating, realistic yet hopeful look at how smaller, shrinking cities can thrive, despite the daunting challenges they face.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 27, 2023
A poignant, if not chilling discussion about the demographics path much of the world is headed down, whether we realize it or not. Felt a bit like the author was picking on the Rust Belt, as so many do, when there are plenty of examples elsewhere in the US.
Pages 139-153 are a must read, as they are particularly chilling and relevant to today's political upheaval and instability both globally and here in the states.
I was a bit disappointed by his discussion on how to apply his recommendations. It came across as too willing to accept defeat in those shrinking the shining stars leading the way to a thriving, yet smaller future.
To me, there should have been some bolder grass roots ideas for either getting indifferent/unreaponsive leaders energized or else be booted from office so other hardier/visionary individuals can attempt to bring about change and improvement.
This may include certain neighborhoods literally detaching from the shrinking city and charting their own course(s). Or it may mean the failing city being absorbed into a larger entity that has a healthier budget or more progressive leadership. There are likely other ideas, as well. But, simply watching a place crumble to pieces before one's eyes is unacceptable.
Pages 139-153 are a must read, as they are particularly chilling and relevant to today's political upheaval and instability both globally and here in the states.
I was a bit disappointed by his discussion on how to apply his recommendations. It came across as too willing to accept defeat in those shrinking the shining stars leading the way to a thriving, yet smaller future.
To me, there should have been some bolder grass roots ideas for either getting indifferent/unreaponsive leaders energized or else be booted from office so other hardier/visionary individuals can attempt to bring about change and improvement.
This may include certain neighborhoods literally detaching from the shrinking city and charting their own course(s). Or it may mean the failing city being absorbed into a larger entity that has a healthier budget or more progressive leadership. There are likely other ideas, as well. But, simply watching a place crumble to pieces before one's eyes is unacceptable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
This book was really interesting if you are interested in demographics and how their change will impact our world.
It seemed like there wasn't a lot of data to be had on already successful shrinking cities.
The author recommended:
1. Investing in human capital (various types of education)
2. Investing in more green spaces to replace vacant buildings and lots. This would increase the quality of life of residents and may attract new residents. Also it would reduce the load in city storm drains and prevent sewage runoff, among other things.
3. Localize the economy as much as possible (this was his biggest point)
4. Encourage networking through community groups, events, and public spaces
It seemed like there wasn't a lot of data to be had on already successful shrinking cities.
The author recommended:
1. Investing in human capital (various types of education)
2. Investing in more green spaces to replace vacant buildings and lots. This would increase the quality of life of residents and may attract new residents. Also it would reduce the load in city storm drains and prevent sewage runoff, among other things.
3. Localize the economy as much as possible (this was his biggest point)
4. Encourage networking through community groups, events, and public spaces
November 30, 2023
I have a particularly interest in urban development and have a curiosity about global population decline that has begun to impact various countries. I thought this book did a great job of tying the two topics together and present a forward looking story of what cities will look like in the future.
This is a pretty niche book, I’ll say that, but if the topic of urban development or shifting populations in the future interest you I recommend this book!
This is a pretty niche book, I’ll say that, but if the topic of urban development or shifting populations in the future interest you I recommend this book!
May 6, 2025
Great book to shake up complacency about the coming doom of what to do about shrinking cities.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews