When thinking about growing a sustainable Creative Economy, it is helpful to consider the 4As.

The first "A" stands for "Affordable housing" and there is little reason to consider the other 3As until this key public policy issue is resolved…or at least seriously addressed by local and state government.

One of the best examples of truly diverse affordable housing is Unity Village in Portland, Maine. Here is a link to a recent article in the New York Times about this housing concept:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F06E7DA1631F937A35750C0A9619C8B63

Please keep in mind that Maine is about 97% white and middle class. The Pine Tree state also has a significant population of working poor, wealthy retired people, gay and lesbian communities, and more outstanding artists and craftspeople per capita than just about any place in the nation.

Presently, Portland High School is educating students who speak well over a half-dozen different languages and dialects. The administration and faculty have managed to integrate this diverse young population into an educational community that promotes both academic excellence and safe hallways and playgrounds.

Unity Village is located in the struggling and scruffy Bayside section of town. It is an easy and safe walk from the downtown, the Old Port with its galleries and restaurants, and the new Whole Foods under construction.

The Tampa Bay was once a mecca for those seeking to fulfill the American dream.  But the reality of home/condo ownership is fast evaporating under our bright sunny skies. We must act now if we want to retain and attract both the most creative of our youth and mid-career professionals.

I will contact friends in Portland over the summer and find out how the project is actually panning out…and report back to you.