User:Meliasmith/Micro-urban

Micro-Urban
Although the term 'micro-urban' does not yet appear in the formal lexicon of urban planning or economic development in the following manner of speaking, it applies to population centers of 250,000 or less that possess a highly uncommon set of desirable attributes normally exclusively associated with much larger metropolitan centers. Among these are a vibrant arts/culture/nightlife scene, an internationally diverse demographic, a strong technology base, and a palpably animated public discourse on major societal and global concerns, such as sustainability and the environment.

The presence of such attributes within the context of a smaller population center -- the size of which can provide advantages such as ease of transportation, more affordable living, and a stronger sense of community -- positions the micro-urban lifestyle as an interesting alternative to what might be viewed as a heavier, more logistics-laden lifestyle associated with densely populated urban centers that can often diminish, rather than enhance, quality of life.

The term 'micro-urban' as described in this text was developed in Champaign-Urbana for open-source use by Mike Ross, director of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois, and was first published after Mr. Ross used it in his [address] to a group of local community leaders.

About Micro-Urban Champaign-Urbana
Home to one of the world's great public research universities -- and on a highly accelerated development track -- Champaign - Urbana has emerged as a leading exemplar of micro-urbanism.

Deeply rooted in the heart of the American prairie, micro-urban Champaign-Urbana is home to Nobel Prize winners, Olympians (Bonnie Blair, Nancy Thies Marshall, Bob Richards), critically-acclaimed international film and music festivals (Wall-to-Wall Guitar, Pygmalion Music Festival), world-renowned entrepreneurs, elite chefs, the nation's newest major marathon, the newest and most powerful supercomputer in the world, one of the nation's elite public high schools, leading environmental scientists, the world's premier university-based performing arts complex, a long line of distinguished artists, designers, architects and landscape architects, countless inventions that have changed lives for the better around the globe, and much more.

Smart, innovative, globally connected and culturally rich, Champaign-Urbana is a micro-urban center on the rise.

Champaign-Urbana Entrepreneurs

 * Jimmy John Liautaud - founder, Jimmy John Sandwich Shops
 * Marc Andreessen - co-author of Mosaic and founder of Netscape

Champaign-Urbana Chefs

 * Thad Morrow – chef, Bacaro
 * Raymond Timpone – chef, Timpones

References and External Links

 * 1) References to Mike Ross’s remarks:
 * 2) News-Gazette
 * 3) Smile Politely
 * 4) Krannert: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
 * 5) U of I Campus Facts: A listing of University of Illinois and University High School Nobel Laureates.
 * 6) Ebertfest: The official site for Ebertfest.
 * 7) Pygmalion: The offical website for the Pygmalion Music Festival.
 * 8) Illinois Marathon: The official website for the Illinois Marathon.
 * 9) NCSA: The official site for NCSA's Blue Waters supercomputing project.
 * 10) Uni High: The official site for University Laboratory High School.
 * 11) Articles on chef Thad Morrow:
 * 12) Illinois Times
 * 13) Smile Politely