"Urban Soul: Market Cities, People Cities, and Our Future"

Dr. Michael O. Emerson is the provost at North Park University in Chicago. He is a sociologist, urban studies expert, author and speaker. He has also authored or co-authored 15 books and monographs and more than 60 journal articles and reports. Considered one of the nation’s leading scholars on race relations and religion, Dr. Emerson is also a specialist in city development, urban sustainability, transportation and livability.

God created the city, but for what purpose? What kind of cities should we build? Based on analysis of 100 cities and in-depth study of Copenhagen, Denmark, Houston and Chicago, Michael Emerson argues that western cities are diverging into two kinds of cities: market cities and people cities. The experience of living in these different types of cities is profound, from the levels of crime, poverty, and segregation, to the built environment, natural environment, and role of government. Market cities are focused on wealth generation, job creation, attracting businesses, and individualism. People cities are focused on building a high quality of life for its citizens, equality between citizens, and an active civil society. These divergent foci lead to divergent outcomes. Drawing on this analysis, Emerson considers lessons for creating cities based on biblical principles, and considers how we might best engage in future urban planning and city development.

For more information, contact Kari Vandervelde at  or kari.vandervelde@wheaton.edu.