It’s because cities have failed at their core value and they know it. Literally, the competent ones discuss this issue at their planning commissions and city council meetings. The commons are no longer safe. 80 years ago, over 60% of kids biked to school. Now it’s approaching 10%. Because of over regulating housing and debasement of currency, drugs and homelessness are epidemics.
The resilience of cities were the random small interactions of people who would otherwise never cross paths. The parks, sidewalks, and public transportation were common places for happy random interactions. Not anymore. Interestingly, Mark Zuckerberg brought this up about 6 or so years ago, as he envisioned FB filling that void. Nostr does it better.

But check out Charleston, SC.