Somewhat interesting article but I don't come away from it with any idea what to do about the problem the author outlined. I'm also fairly certain if you look at the people moving away from the city you'd see they have good reasons for doing so. E.g. to be able to find work, to try to live in a pleasant community rather than a declining one, etc.
Giving up just makes the story so boring.
Not a good article in my opinion, too many layers of depression to make a rational point.