The Future of Downtowns

Around the U.S. and the globe, downtowns are in crisis. The changing nature of work and lifestyles growing out of the pandemic have posed challenges for traditional models of the central business district. This course will draw on scholarship from economics, political science, urban planning, and related disciplines to help students understand the origins and functions of downtowns, the challenges they are currently facing, and potential models for future revitalization. The course will draw broadly on theorical and empirical literatures related to downtowns and consider the case of Chicago specifically. The course is open to all students, but students participating in the 2024-25 Harris Policy Innovation Challenge, Creating a Thriving Downtown Chicago, are encouraged to enroll. For students enrolled in the Policy Challenge, your policy proposal may serve as your final project for this course.