Today on Midday, from noon to 2, it's all about cities, large and small, Baltimore and Columbia.

Changes in population and the loss of industry over the last half-century forced cities like Baltimore to rethink their growth and economic strategies. We’ll discuss the remaking of American cities with  Ronald Ratner, Executive Vice President and director of Forest City Enterprises, Scott Levitan, Senior Vice President and Development Director for Forest City's New East Baltimore Partnership. Also, Richard McGahey, editor of the new book Retooling for Growth: Building a 21st Century Economy in America’s Older Industrial Areas.
In the second hour, Columbia's the topic. Plans are underway to remake downtown Columbia, and turn it into a more walkable, more lively place that attracts employers. We’ll discuss Columbia’s future with, among others, state delegare and former Howard County executive Elizabeth Bobo, a leading proponent for ensuring Columbia’s development follows the tenets of smart growth.

WYPR-FM, 88.1