Globalization Can Work for Us

In this insightful article by New York City's mayor Michael Bloomberg, he touts the ways that globalization--the movement of markets, labor, and capital--across the world revitalized New York City after 9/11. He says that the experience of New York City provides lessons for cities across the U.S. Let's take a look at the mayor's lessons: 1) harness the forces of immigration and globalization; 2) tap innovation; 3) institute accountable governance; and 4) have the independence to take on the entrenched or special interests to move ideas forward. In layman's terms, I read the mayor's suggestions for other cities this way. Use the wonderful skills and talents of immigrants to create a larger pie for all; support ideas and innovation through schools, business, and government; make elected and appointed officials accountable for results; and don't take no for an answer and don't give up or in. I would add a fifth to the mayor's list: work regionally.

The new economic palette for American communities is in some ways less complicated not more. We have a bigger playing field, almost all kinds of economic engines are open to us, and we are not limited by what we have right in the community--almost everything is accessible through the internet. What Bloomberg is really saying is get a plan that has some semblance of the four building blocks. It has certainly worked for New York.