3 ms·

Previously yes, since a high number of retail jobs (i.e. stacking shelves, sorting inventory, etc.) were all done in the core part of the urban area (i.e. think

Previously yes, since a high number of retail jobs (i.e. stacking shelves, sorting inventory, etc.) were all done in the core part of the urban area (i.e. think Target or BestBuy directly in the downtown area). With Amazon Fulfillment, the "retail-like" jobs (sorting inventory) can be done where the employee actually can relocate to the periphery and have a traffic free commute. And delivery drivers will be returning the fufillment center so will naturally be returning to the periphery at the end of their shifts.

bobthepanda 7y ago
This results in several net negatives for workers though: - Housing in exurban areas is not necessarily cheap. And moving has a nonzero cost. People may not be able to move to the exurbs in the first place. - Downtown is where services are. Generally speaking, suburban support for low-income people is often lacking. And kids have to switch schools, people lose their existing community support networks, etc. - Because downtown has so much employment, it's relatively easy to switch between jobs. Don't like your retail job? You can switch to another retailer, or a restaurant, or any other type of low income job. In these exurban areas, how much employer diversity is there? Is it easy to get to other employers? This mostly seems like it would just create company slums.
- somethoughts 7y ago
  On the first, you're looking at $1500 in rent or $350K to purchase for a one bedroom in Tracy versus $3500 in rent or $1M to purchase for a one bedroom in SF. Fair point on the second one, some sacrifices will need to be made. At some point though - downtown won't be able to support everyone living in a 1800 square foot home and trying to get to work no matter what zoning. I think the last one is the strongest - they are stuck if there are no alternative employment options.

bobthepanda 7y ago

This results in several net negatives for workers though: - Housing in exurban areas is not necessarily cheap. And moving has a nonzero cost. People may not be able to move to the exurbs in the first place. - Downtown is where services are. Generally speaking, suburban support for low-income people is often lacking. And kids have to switch schools, people lose their existing community support networks, etc. - Because downtown has so much employment, it's relatively easy to switch between jobs. Don't like your retail job? You can switch to another retailer, or a restaurant, or any other type of low income job. In these exurban areas, how much employer diversity is there? Is it easy to get to other employers? This mostly seems like it would just create company slums.

somethoughts 7y ago
On the first, you're looking at $1500 in rent or $350K to purchase for a one bedroom in Tracy versus $3500 in rent or $1M to purchase for a one bedroom in SF. Fair point on the second one, some sacrifices will need to be made. At some point though - downtown won't be able to support everyone living in a 1800 square foot home and trying to get to work no matter what zoning. I think the last one is the strongest - they are stuck if there are no alternative employment options.