Jacobs' life and death theory

Jacobs' life and death theory suggests that a city’s growth and decline are driven by the availability of opportunities and resources. When a city offers abundant economic, social, and infrastructural opportunities, it attracts people, leading to expansion. Conversely, if opportunities diminish—due to economic decline, poor planning, or neglect—out-migration increases, resulting in population decline and urban decay. Essentially, the theory emphasizes that the vitality of a city depends on its ability to sustain opportunities for its residents, with growth occurring when these are plentiful and decline setting in when they are scarce.