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12 Higher-Density Development MYTH ONE FACTONE more feasible as well as making delivery of basic services like mail delivery, trash collection, and police and fire protec- tion more efficient. Another emerging body of research suggests that higher- density development is an important component of eco- nomic development initiatives and helps attract new employers. “Information economy” is a term used to define the growing industries based on the economics of the Internet, information goods, and intellectual property. Workers in this field are known as “knowledge workers,” and many believe they are the future of the American econ- omy. These workers are comfortable with the latest technol- ogy and, because their skills are transferable, choose their jobs based on the attributes of the town or city where they are located. They seek out vibrant, diverse urban centers that offer access to technology, other knowledge workers, and lifestyle.16 The economic development game has changed. Employers now follow the workers rather than the other way around. Therefore, communities that focus on providing a high quality of life with the energy and vitality created by urban centers will be much more likely to attract these highly prized, talented, and productive workers than communi- ties of faceless sprawl. Companies that understand the appeal of these communities are making relocation deci- sions with these workers in mind. Studies have shown that increasing employment density increases labor productivity, generally by reducing commuting times.17 Thus, introducing higher-density projects into a community will actually increase that community’s revenue without significantly increasing the infrastructure and public service burdens. Blending apartments into low-density communities can help pay for schools without drastic increases in the num- ber of students. Diversifying housing options and adding amenities like shops and offices close by will improve the quality of life and attract businesses and people that will strengthen the community’s economic stability. Increasing density provides a real economic boost to the community and helps pay for the infrastructure and public services that everybody needs. Highlands’ Garden Village Built on the site of the Elitch Gardens amusement park in Denver, Highlands’ Garden Village is a walk- able, transit-linked community and a financially viable model for environmentally responsible infill development. New York–based developer Jonathan Rose & Companies developed single-family homes, townhouses, seniors’ and multifamily apartments, cohousing, offices, and retail space on the site. At the center, a historic theater and carousel from the original amusement park are being transformed into a community performing arts center and a walking labyrinth. Berkeley, California–based Calthorpe Associates designed a plan that put new homes on three sides of a square-shaped village and a commercial “main street” on the fourth. Restaurants, studios, and shops line the street with live/work townhouses and offices above, giving residents the opportunity to live, work, and shop in the same community. The proximity of amenities, location near downtown, and convenience of public bus lines encourage people to walk and reduce travel costs. PROFILE Highlands’ Garden Village reuses some structures from the amusement park previously located on the site. The compact development, combined with a variety of uses and housing types, uses public infrastructure more efficiently than low- density sprawling development. JONATHAN ROSE & COMPANIES