Richard Ravitch, a real-estate developer turned public servant, passed away at the age of 89 just two months before his death in June. Despite the changing times, Ravitch remained committed to his physical office space in Manhattan, emphasizing the importance of being physically anchored to a city. His absence now serves as a reminder that New York City’s post-Covid recovery necessitates new generations of individuals who are dedicated to the city and recognize the role of urban civics.
This need for committed patrons is not unique to New York City; many American cities lack individuals who are deeply invested in their hometowns’ success. A successful city requires individuals who have a significant stake in a particular place, preventing them from easily walking away. Ravitch’s death not only marked the end of an era in New York but also highlighted the void that American cities must fill.
Ravitch played a crucial role in New York City’s recovery and rebuilding during the 1970s. Through his development company, he constructed affordable housing, which helped retain a committed citizenry and workforce. As chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the 1980s, Ravitch saved the subways from decay by persuading both Democrats and Republicans to enact taxes for infrastructure funding. The rebuilt subways facilitated the city’s subsequent growth by accommodating the influx of residents and jobs.
Ravitch’s success can be attributed to his personality traits, including his affability, stubbornness, and persuasion skills. However, his accomplishments were not solely a result of his personality; they were shaped by the culture of New York City in the late 20th century. Ravitch, having lived his entire life in Manhattan, possessed a deep connection to the city that prevented him from considering it merely an asset class. This level of commitment was echoed during the Koch era when the city invested billions to rebuild the South Bronx, defying conventional wisdom.
In contrast, the current situation in San Francisco demonstrates the limitations of multinational corporations and global investors when it comes to saving cities during systemic crises. These entities have their place in cities and provide quality and consistency, but they lack the ability to support cities in times of crisis. Transient owners prioritize their own interests and will relocate their investments elsewhere if the city faces significant challenges.
Successful cities also require moderately wealthy individuals who are motivated to engage in public service due to their dissatisfaction with their own quality of life. Ravitch exemplified this by actively riding the subway, experiencing the conditions causing New Yorkers to leave. The rich often fail to understand the reality of the streets, evident in San Francisco’s struggle to address public disorder and population loss.
Furthermore, robust urban culture depends on influential individuals who reject top-down, gimmicky solutions to complex problems. Uber’s entrance into sophisticated cities a decade ago promised to alleviate traffic through technology, but instead, it led to increased congestion and the destruction of the city’s established taxi regulation system. New York City eventually redirected its focus back to the subway system, proving that the old infrastructure was the key to addressing urban transportation issues.
In conclusion, Ravitch’s legacy highlights the importance of individuals deeply connected to their cities and willing to actively contribute to their success. Successful cities require committed patrons, moderately wealthy individuals engaged in public service, and influential individuals who prioritize long-term solutions over gimmicks. By recognizing these needs, cities can overcome crises and thrive.
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