A leading urban economist sang the praises of cities Monday during a presentation at the University of Scranton.
"Cities are mankind's greatest invention," Edward Glaeser, Ph.D., a Harvard economist, told about 400 people who attended the fall Henry George Lecture at the university's DeNaples Center. "Cities are really the answer in terms of economic prosperity."
People in cities earn more, invent more, are healthier and less environmentally destructive than their suburban and rural counterparts, Dr. Glaeser said.
"We innovate, we learn, by being around other people," said Dr. Glaeser, who has written extensively on urban issues. "Cities help that happen."
Dr. Glaeser advocated for more taxes linked to consumption, such as drivers paying tolls on busy roads. He also stressed the importance of education to cities and the impact of universities on their host communities.
"Places like the University of Scranton are so important for the growth of the Scranton area," he said. "Having skilled people is crucial."
Cities rallied from population declines starting with the suburban flight of the 1950s because they attract creative people, Dr. Glaeser said. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago generate 18 percent of the nation's gross domestic product, but only have 13 percent of the population, he said.
"Knowledge is more important than space," Dr. Glaeser said. "That is why cities came back."
In response to a question about Scranton's proposed commuter tax, Dr. Glaeser said people who work in the city already pay a form of tax through use of buildings.
"If you start raising taxes, businesses move out," he said.
State Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, praised Dr. Glaeser's remarks on the importance of education and linking tax revenue more to consumption.
"The connection between payers and users is very important," Mr. Blake said. "I thought it was a very impressive presentation."
The lecture was part of the university's Henry George program, which focuses on themes of economic justice. Mr. George was a 19th century American economist and social reformer.
Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com