The Lessons of Austin

What does Austin, TX have that Tulsa, OK does not? And is there some way of imitating the lessons of Austin and apply them to Tulsa? Can you incubate a creative class in your community? What a great subject.

I have been pondering this subject while on vacation in one of the creative capitols of the world, Los Angeles. The benefits of the presence of a robust creative class are evident everywhere in Los Angeles. Driving down Washington Avenue in LA takes you through downtown Culver City -- home of Sony Studios. You drive further towards the ocean and see small, 2-bedroom houses that are selling for $1 million. You arrive at the Pacific and wander through Venice and on to Santa Monica.

What does Los Angeles, CA have that Newport News, VA dos not? Is there some way of imitating the lessons of LA and apply them to Newport News?

The question begs that we consider history. What has been happening in LA for the past 100 years that has not been happening in Newport News? What role does geography and climate play? Why does capital investment arrive in LA and not NN? Is there a creative class in NN that we don't know about? And what is my interest in Newport News, VA?

http://newsok.com/oklahomans-study-austins-music-scene/article/3278147/?dt=1217742628