A number of important forces were at work in the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. American industries underwent tremendous growth during this era, leading to the rise of big business. In addition, millions of immigrants came to the United States during this era, seeking a better life for themselves and their families. One important result of industrialization and immigration was the growth of cities, a process known as urbanization. Commonly, factories were located near urban areas. These businesses attracted immigrants and people moving from rural areas who were looking for employment. Cities grew at a rapid rate as a result.
Unfortunately, urbanization was not always a positive thing. City services had a difficult time keeping up with the tremendous population growth. Cities in the late 1800s and early 1900s often lacked central planning. There were few sewer systems or clean water. Many roads were not yet paved. There were few building codes in place to protect the people living in them, and fire and police services were limited. Cities were rife with political corruption and disease.
As a result of the negative consequences of urbanization, many Progressives began to push for urban reforms. Progressives organized settlement houses in urban areas to provide help for immigrants and the urban poor. They supported passage of laws that would improve living conditions in the inner cities. Progressives also advocated legislation that would reduce the power of city bosses and get rid of corruption within city politics. These reform efforts significantly improved life in cities, although they did not get rid of all of the problems of urban life or end poverty.
In Ohio, a number of cities faced tremendous population growth during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Unsurprisingly, these same cities experienced rapid industrialization during this era as well. Cities such as Toledo, Akron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland experienced growth because of immigration from Europe as well as migration from more rural areas of Ohio and elsewhere. Like other American cities, Ohio cities faced similar problems from urbanization, and Ohio Progressives actively sought to improve conditions in their communities.
Urbanization is a double-edged sword. Experts are finding successfully reaping the benefits of urbanization while minimizing its major drawbacks may lie in the reconsideration of several aspects.
It will fall upon the city government to prepare and plan for a rapidly growing population. Planting trees, conserving energy and resources, and educating the public can make for a more efficient city.
Better Resource & City Planning
Newly urbanized cities can take note from smart cities, and the technology they use to power their city in response to urban activity. Future-ready technology can solve many congestion issues facing urban populations by facilitating a more efficient transportation ecosystem. To reduce traffic congestion and pollution further, cities will have to consider technology that provides parking solutions to reduce the number of cars driving around on the roads.
Cities can work with hospitals, businesses, and hotels (all traffic-heavy enterprises) to create an efficient answer to parking and traffic issues. City planners also have to consider either controlling their population growth or expanding their city – and how to economically prepare and adapt for these changes.
Improved Mobility Solutions
Starting with smarter parking management, cities can start to design improved mobility solutions that include micromobility options like eScooters plus future-ready options like both DC fast and standard EV charging can ultimately make urban areas and cities more livable for a wider range of residents.
With the foundation of a smart, cloud-based parking system, cities can start layering on these services based on the insights delivered by an AI-powered intelligence system.
Automation Improvements in Public Transportation
By automating transportation and parking services, you free up human resources to focus on other aspects of managing urbanization. Electric, autonomous busses, trains, and street cars are becoming popular solutions for smart cities that want a brighter, more sustainable future.
Transit needs to be connected and mobile, too. Consumers look for everything from groceries to parking spaces online. When they are deciding whether to call a shared ride or hop on the bus, consumers also need to be able to see their full range of options.
Create Opportunities
To combat unemployment and crime, urbanized cities must create more job opportunities to accommodate their citizens. It will be essential for urbanized cities to foster job growth and creation by working with new technologies, creating new and innovative companies within its city, and considering new global markets.