Peoria NEXT Launches Book Club
Posted on January 17th, 2006

Join men and women from all walks of life in the Peoria NEXT Book Club!

Whether you’re a parent or teacher, scientist or entrepreneur, chef or artist – all walks of life are welcome to join Peoria NEXT as we discover what’s between the pages of some of the most insightful books on the shelves today. Areas of interest will vary from selection to selection, so stay tuned to this website to find out what the next selection might be!

Monday, March 20, 2006
4:30 p.m
University of Illinois College of Medicine

Winter 2005 Selection:
Cities and the Creative Class
By Richard Florida

“In his compelling follow-up to The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida outlines how certain cities succeed in attracting members of the "creative class"--the millions of people who work in information-age economic sectors and in industries driven by innovation and talent. Cities that succeed, Florida argues, are those that are able to attract and retain creative class members. They don't do this through the traditional strategies of tax incentives, suburban housing developments, and loose regulation, though; creative class members don't care about those details. Rather, they care about amenities and tolerance, and are drawn to cities with thriving bohemias and large gay populations. It is no coincidence, Florida asserts, that places likes Austin and San Francisco with their highly publicized open-mindedness and bohemia are at the forefront of the new economy, while cities like Detroit, in contrast, can't succeed unless they actively become a magnet for the creative class.

To prove his point, Florida presents a mass of information on the cities he cites, both thriving and failing cities, including gay and bohemian indices. Focusing on the economic geography of place, Florida explains lays out what cities need to do to have a chance at success.” – Amazon.com

Don’t miss this stimulating and thought provoking discussion!

Participation is free, but RSVP’s are requested.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Gwen Lombard at 309.671.8406 or gjl@uic.edu.