But one of the panelists mentioned something I bet you've never thought about: international flights.
Dr. Camille Cates Barnett, the managing director for the city of Philadelphia, was discussing her city's strategic goals for the near future. One of them is to grow the city's population. "That means we're looking at our international flights," she said. "Growing our population means increasing our immigrant population. Immigration patterns follow international flight patterns."
It's a very interesting idea -- although I wonder if maybe it's a little more of a chicken-and-egg question than Cates Barnett suggests. Still, it's a great point to consider. "We underestimate the importance of our connection and interdependence to the global market," she said. "But it's not just the money that comes in and helps fuel our economy. It's the actual people."
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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