I wonder where the revenue comes from to pay for Ms. Karn's last paragraph. As a city resident who owns a home and a business and who pays commensurate (and greater-than-the-surrounding-counties) taxes, I am curious how we increase obligation.
We need to ensure that businesses want to locate within the city limits. It is business that provides jobs. Government infusion only helps to a limited scale (and on a limited timeline).
We do need to invest in safety, infrastructure, and society. We also need to bring a sense of shame and ostracism to those who do commit violent and intrusive crimes. Personal responsibility lies with the person.
Ah, yes, information architecture! It's what I do (or one of the things, anyway). For IAs, the scene in "High Fidelity" where John Cusak is reorganizing his record library by the music he was listening to during key breakups is a wonderful example of ways to classify and organize content.
Re: “Is Boulevard the Next Short Pump?”
Until the Azalea Mall desert is revitalized, I would never support this potential boondoggle..especailly if it were big-boxed like Carytown is becoming.