Professor Simon Parker Challenges Dominant Narrative on Western Development - In recent years, many scholars have identified the "private market" as the key driver of innovation and human development. Offering compelling archeological and anthropological evidence, Dr. Parker of The University of York invited our 2023 Spring Planning Lecture audience to focus on the equally critical role that human cooperation has played in advancing modern society towards a higher quality of life. On the day following Dr. Parker's lecture, Professor Phil Thompson presented the reform efforts of Mayor Bill DeBlasio as a powerful "case" of municipal government reform through collective action based in the city's trade unions and neighborhood organizations. Serving as respondents to this remarkable lecture were Professor Pierre Clavel of Cornell University and Robert Krushaar of SUNY Buffalo (From the UMass Boston City and Community Planning Official Facebook account).