Global Challenges, Local Responses

By Roxanne Qualls

It is time for Cincinnati to respond to global challenges of climate change and the global competition for talent.

Globalization Most of us are familiar with Friedman's flattening and with Florida's Creative Class. It is now accepted that for cities to be competitive for talent and jobs, the quality of place matters.

Talent is mobile and has choice. Young people now in larger and larger numbers are choosing where they want to live, and assume that the job will follow. The quality of place and the quality of life a community offers is a major driver in the location decision. It is for these reasons that we must recognize that the quality of the built environment is an essential element in competing for talent. We must preserve the architecture that creates a clear sense of place. Reinforce urbanity through maintaining and creating walkable, preferably transit friendly environments. Respect, understand, and invest in the public realm as a place of intersection among diverse populations and ideas. Nothing can be overlooked. Streets, squares, sidewalks, and signage all determine the quality and form of the built environment

We also must recognize that the quality of the natural environment matters. As people have choice-access to a high quality natural environment becomes a required criteria of quality, not an add-on. Cincinnati must build on its legacy of parks and green space. Urban green space will enhance residential development in downtown and neighborhoods. Access to non-urban green environments also is critical. We are fortunate to have the six southern counties of Northern Kentucky.

And, finally the quality of the social environment matters. Talented people enjoy and expect diversity of thought, of people, and of lifestyle. The challenge in our community is to welcome all three. And, talented, young people value diversity of entertainment and of cultural venues and forms more so than the traditional cultural expressions of their parents.

Global Climate Change Global climate change is a competitive issue for cities just as it is an ethical issue for society. In cities building practices must change and are changing. Cities, such as, Chicago, California, Philadelphia are finding ways to reduce the urban heat island effect, manage storm water from increased storm events, and reduce CO2 emissions.

This requires new collaborations and a willingness to take an integrated approach in both the private and public sectors. We have an opportunity with major projects such as the BANKS that should be built to LEED Platinum standards. We can change our infrastructure construction practices to integrate high performance, green practices that minimize storm water run off, reduce the heat island effect, and create a truly "green" city.