I’ve been questioned, at least a few times, why I want to ruin Rochester (NY).
The obvious response, of course, is that reading material cannot result in change if no one reads it.
In other words, those concerned about adding to traffic, the cost of living, and the self-absorbed need not fret.
But hypothetically, if ComposeMD were a larger company with a competent social media presence and so-called influence, what then would become of our beloved Flower City?
Would all this blogging, assuming it could alter mindsets and the flow of capital, ruin Rochester?
One word: No.
Take a look at three metro areas that have apparently been ruined—according to some—and ascertain the likelihood of a dot near Lake Ontario suffering the same fate.
Portland, Oregon
In 1970, the Portland area had the same population that Rochester has today (just under 1.1 million). Over the past half century or so, Portland has blossomed to 2.5 million, and its per-capita GDP is 46th in the country, compared to 102nd for Rochester.
In this example, for Rochester to be ruined, it would need to boost its roster by 1.4 million residents and add $10,000 (in today’s dollars) to its per-capita GDP by 2080.
Plausible?
Perhaps.
Nashville, Tennessee
In 1990, the Nashville area and Rochester had about the same population (just over one million). Since then, Nashville’s population has more than doubled, while Rochester’s has hardly moved. Today, the per-capita GDP in Music City is 27th in the country.
In this example, for Rochester to be ruined, it would need to double its population and add $17,000 to its per-capita GDP by 2060.
Likely?
Unlikely.
Austin, Texas
In 2000, the Austin region claimed a population of 1.2 million, not all that dissimilar to that of Rochester mentioned above. During the past 25 years, Austin has jumped to 2.5 million, and its per-capita GDP is now 23rd in the country.
In this final example, for Rochester to be ruined, it would need to see 125% population growth by 2050, all while increasing its per-capita GDP by over $18,000.
Realistic?
C’mon now.
Sure, I could be wrong.
Maybe we will follow in the footsteps of these “ill-fated” locales.
I suppose it’s possible that by improving the embarrassment that is Main Street, we will ruin Rochester.
But I’ll take my chances.
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