What city do you predict will be hit the hardest by the economic crisis?

The cities that were the fastest growing, like Phoenix and Las Vegas, and those most dependent on manufacturing.

Will there be a comeback in Detroit (beyond the auto industry, but in the city itself)? If yes, how? If no, what will happen to the city then?

Detroit can come back if the city finds a way to shrink sensibly and can make what remains less auto-dependent. Detroit, like many cities, must find ways to concentrate and amplify its strengths.

If 2008 was the year of “green” and “sustainability,” 2009 will be the year of …..?

Real estate vacancies. Expect retail and commercial vacancies to have greater negative impact on communities than housing vacancies.

What is the story in your city that no one is covering that you think will make the news this year?

Suburban development will be hard to fund and risky to undertake. With commercial and residential vacancies on the rise, many suburbs will be hard hit, fueling momentum toward central cities.

Diana Lind is the former executive director and editor in chief of Next City.