This is not an argument for density, a coarse metric that, at best, correlates with productive patterns of development. Some of the worst-performing projects I have ever seen were done in the pursuit of density. Cities will not build themselves to prosperity by tearing down single-family homes in poor neighborhoods and replacing them with apartments or condominium units. Density is never the cause of financial productivity, but it is sometimes the result. Building stable, long-term wealth requires an ongoing, incremental renewal process driven by positive feedback loops. Neighborhoods need to
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