The creative class thesis advanced by the economist Richard Florida contends that cities that foster a socially diverse and culturally stimulating environment will more likely attract well-educated workers who will then spur economic growth and vibrant societies. Leaving aside the economic development potential of such a strategy, my research considers the political ramifications of cities that succeed in luring a substantial influx of skilled employees who value openness, diversity, and tolerance. Will such an influx encourage progressive political change?On one hand, scholars such as Inglehart and Rosdil document how a rising postindustrial economy has nurtured a postmaterial culture characterized by progressive values like respect for citizen empowerment, human rights, and a thriving public sector. On the other hand, scholars such as Peck and Scott maintain that an expanding "creative economy" in cities has exacerbated urban inequality, a problem that creative class members have shown little interest in remedying.My case study of the politics of waterfront development in Philadelphia reveals the increasing political influence of creative class members who have demanded much broader popular participation in policy making, a greater emphasis on comprehensive planning, and preservation of civic spaces, including public access to the waterfront. Their efforts during the past several years have been surprisingly effective in forcing the current administration of Mayor John Street to abandon its plans for developing a prime waterfront site and embracing a citizen-driven planning process for future waterfront development. At the same time, creative class reformers have struggled to engage groups left out of the growing postindustrial economy. Nonetheless, my research suggests that their reforms involving the policy-making process and the promotion of dynamic and diverse public spaces may produce a cultural/political infrastructure that favors social interaction and dialogue across racial, ethnic, and class divisions. That, in turn, may lead to the identification of common interests, coalition building, and the formation of durable governing regimes animated by a progressive vision of politics.My research, which is based on over two dozen interviews with activists, planners, architects, developers, journalists, editors, and city officials, analysis of government reports and local newspaper articles, and participant observation of public forums regarding Philadelphia's waterfront, indicates that at least one segment of the creative class is capable of playing a leading role in engendering progressive political change in U.S. cities. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]