Urban redevelopment is sprouting up in cities across the nation. As Metropolitan governments examine their economic core and rethink how to address social problems, they conclude that a vibrant inner city spurs creative thinking and solutions.

 

When examining the initial steps for revitalization efforts in an urban location, cities look to consultants such as Richard Florida who examined the “creative class” and its role in the recent recession and claimed that cities with a solid core of people in creative jobs had lower unemployment rates than others. Florida explained that having a creative class is not the only indicator of how innovative an urban core will be. It is also essential to translate the abilities of the creative class into “creative economic outcomes” and thereby improving economic development.

 

In summary, a healthy, diverse workforce in the core of inner cities who live, play, and work there, helps improve economic development, tourism, and transportation solutions and is the key to the overall well-being of a city.

 

This case study shows how three different approaches for redevelopment projects in downtown neighborhoods can further growth. It will examine developments in the Gulch and Rolling Mill Hill, and how the city can learn from these projects to jumpstart economic life in the Capitol District in North Nashville – an area that African American leaders feel has long been neglected.