David Brooks: Find the "Real Action"... in Sioux Falls

NYT columnist David Brooks puts on a happy face with that snappy purple tie and says the next 40 years will be great for America (total destruction of our constitutional republic notwithstanding). In a "luscious orgy of optimism" (spring has that effect on me, too), Brooks declares America is in for healthy immigration and population growth, development of more vibrant town centers, and a leading role in global economic revival.

Brooks also notes that Sioux Falls will be where it's at!

Over the next 40 years, [geographer Joel] Kotkin argues, urban downtowns will continue their modest (and perpetually overhyped) revival, but the real action will be out in the compact, self-sufficient suburban villages. Many of these places will be in the sunbelt — the drive to move there remains strong — but Kotkin also points to surging low-cost hubs on the Plains, like Fargo, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux Falls, and Boise [David Brooks, "Relax, We'll Be Fine," New York Times, 2010.04.05].

O.K., Boise isn't exactly the Plains. But quit your grousing: Sioux Falls made the New York Times! Whoo-hoo!