The "Creative Class"

In the article by Richard Florida entitled, The Rise of the Creative Class, he reports that in order for cities to prosper and grow it is necessary to attract and retain people of the "creative class". Florida states that the creative class is a "fast-growing, highly educated, and well-paid segment of the workforce on whose efforts corporate profits and economic growth increasingly depend". he goes on to say that these are individuals who "share a common ethos that values creativity, individuality, difference and merit". Florida continues that "places like Austin, Boston, Washington D.C., and Seattle are places that are more tolerant, diverse and open to creativity. As creativity becomes more valued, the creative class grows".

I agree that is it important for cities to be open to the benefits that the diversity of a creative class offers. People young and old of all walks of life need to feel that they 'fit in' to a community which then strengthens the foundation of that community. It is where they love to work and live and can be themselves. Cities and regions that have a large population of individuals of the creative class are, as Florida comments, the most affluent and are the fastest growing. These are people who value diversity "in all its manifestations". Clearly, it is the case that members of the creative class add a certain vibrancy and enthusiasm. As a nation we would be well advised to cultivate more creative class communities through stronger and more consistent support of educational opportunities and economic support, e.g., public infrastructure projects such as parks which contribute to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. But equally important are, in part, creative community features, as Florida cities, the inclusion of a strong historical and cultural foundation.