The Implications of Childless Seattle

The Seattle Times reports:

In 1960, according to census statistics, children under 18 years of age represented nearly 30 percent of Seattle's half-million residents. By 2005, their numbers had dropped by almost half. In 1960, Seattle Public Schools had nearly 100,000 students. Today, the district has fewer than half that number.

Of America's 100 largest cities, only San Francisco has fewer children under 18 years old per capita than Seattle.

Cities that don't proactively attract families with children find themselves in trouble. And this trouble has a cascading effect that touches us all. Schools suffer as fewer and fewer people are invested in ensuring quality and accountability. Diversity of community — one of Seattle's soul-building strengths — suffers as families with children are forced out to the suburbs.

Great moments in Blue City America.