ABSTRACT
The focus of economic development has shifted from transportation and raw materials to the workforce. Cities that have successfully grown downtown housing markets also seem to be the most economically vibrant. Lifestyle gurus such as Rebecca Ryan and Richard Florida have detailed the correlation between a region's economic success and its ability to attract and retain young and talented workers. Creative people want to live in creative places, and the interesting urban neighborhoods in and around downtown are preferred for many of the most talented members of the workforce.
