Seattle and Columbus Show How Cities Can Win

In the modern U.S. economy, prosperity depends more and more on creating successful cities. But what is success, and how can it be achieved? Seattle, Washington, and Columbus, Ohio, offer some clues.

In tracking the rise and fall of American cities, people often pay attention to population growth. It isn’t a perfect proxy for urban success, especially because many cities restrict new housing development and thus prevent their population from growing. But it’s definitely one important measure, because more residents equals a larger tax base.