The Wealth of Cities by John Norquist—A Review

Milwaukee's thriving Riverwalk, built during Norquist's time as mayor 

Last post I mentioned how John Norquist—former mayor of Milwaukee and now Buffalo waterfront-rehab consultant—had authored a book on urban sprawl. Erie County library just so happened to have a copy on file and I just so happened to checkout The Wealth of Cities: Revitalizing the Centers of American Life.

Wealth of Cities was written around 1998. It is important to know this because our world and worldviews have changed so much since then. As you read this book, it is important to filter it through the lens of a post-9/11, economic-recession mindset. That said, Norquist’s ideas are still interesting and relevant to the contemporary reader.

In the final chapter, Norquist spells out a stereotypical view of urban centers as, “…associated with the problems of poverty, social injustice, and decay, and…cities will fail to solve these problems.”

Raised in small-town suburbia myself, I have to admit such a narrow, stereotypical view of cities generally was held by yours truly. Norquist’s purpose is not only to dispel these urban legends (pun totally intended), but to make a case for why great cities will define a great future for this great nation. He systematically discusses the issues at stake, solutions he implemented in Milwaukee and in other cities by their mayors, and what the future may hold.

Norquist believes we need to clean house in America’s cities. That means getting drug dealers and other criminals off the streets and out of government-subsidized and low-rent housing. “States especially should stop paroling criminals into cities to repeat their offenses,” writes Norquist. And regarding various federal affordable housing programs and mortgage subsidies, he is most critical saying that this is “how the government killed affordable housing.” He rails against subsidized loans for the wealthy. If only he knew what awaited the housing market 10 years later…

Another still-hot issue discussed in Wealth of Cities is sustainable environmentalism. Even in 1998 the phrase global warming popped up. On a manufacturing-based economy Norquist says, “The federal government should institute market-based measures that result in environmental protection through natural economic activity. One such measure is pollution pricing, building the true cost of production and disposal into a product.” Could such a concept—more fully explored and developed—be the antithesis of “cap-and-trade?”

Norquist also makes his case against the federal interstate system of highways and how it has led to suburban sprawl, isolation of citizens, and inefficient commutes. As mayor of Milwaukee he put taxpayer’s money where his mouth is when he brought down the Park East Freeway. In Buffalo he envisions the sky falling as NY-5—better known as the Skyway—should be leveled, in his opinion. Personally, I think his is a better idea than turning it into an elevated mall (yes, someone did float this idea).

Appearing anti-freeway in his transportation opinions, Norquist is certainly not anti-transit. While he envisions more urban population density leading to a decline in automobile need and use, he also makes a case for increased use of rail transit and non-federalized highways. Some of his ideas are surprisingly similar to Christopher Steiner’s in $20 Per Gallon. While the later is a recent writing, Norquist authored his work at a time when gas was under $1 per gallon in most U.S. cities.

Immigration, education, and the role/size of the federal government are additional topics Norquist spends time discussing. Described as a “new Democrat,” he embodies a fiscally conservative approach that, as mayor of Milwaukee, allowed him to cut spending, increase efficiencies, shrink bureaucracy, and improve residents’ quality of life.

It’s funny how so many of the topics and troubles of 12 years ago are still making headlines and filling editorials today. While Wealth of Cities may be aimed toward city planners, civic leaders, and those in public office, it still makes an interesting read.  If nothing else, Norquist trumpets his own track record as mayor and shares insights gathered during his 16 years as leader of the Brew City.

"When people walk, talk, work, eat, drink, boat, and play by the water, when it becomes part of their day-to-day life and not merely a special-occasion destination, a real constituency for clean water is created," writes Norquist.  Let's hope the same vision that guided him to champion Milwaukee's waterfront rebirth will guide his consultancy here in Buffalo.

GET IT

The Wealth of Cities: Revitalizing the Centers of American Life is available at Buffalo and Erie County Public Library as well as through Amazon or any other major bookseller. E-Book versions are not available.