Michael Porter's conservative urban agenda will not revitalize America's inner cities: What will? Response

Once shown of the fetters of government and meddling community groups, profit-seeking business will, according to Michael Porter, capitalize on the competitive advantages of the inner city. Will the ensuing business development dynamic create jobs for the impoverished of the inner city? The author does not think so. A properly compliant government and pro-business community groups, working in conjunction with large and small businesses, in fact, will accomplish little, absent a profound change in society's attitudes about why it is that poor urban areas are poor. Society expects that ghetto redevelopment plans will fail. Those seeking change must highlight th success stories, energize the public-private partnerships, and prod business into investing in the city. One model of successful minority business development, Mesbic Ventures of Dallas, is put forth to highlight how job creation can become a reality in urban minority communities.