I admit that I am late to the game - and perhaps some of you out there are too. Although 3D printing has been used for a few years, thoughts about its implications for economies and cities hadn't crossed my mind until recently. This occurred when I was introduced to the concept of printing guns at home. I was floored! Essentially, 3D printing makes everyone their own manufacturer and it is predicted that one day 3D printing will be commonplace in every home. Literally, you could design a coffee cup, firearm, chair, or whatever your imagination can create and then you can print it at home for immediate use. Food, body parts and clothing too? This is going to have a huge impact on the manufacturing sector, health and safety regulations, copyright and law in general, and so many other unknowns. 3D printing will call for the need to implement or rewrite laws, coding, regulations, and more - in order to adapt to this new economy. But what does that mean for American economies and cities - in any rural, suburban, or urban setting?

In America, manufacturing corporations have a tax rate of between 15% and 39%, depending on their tax bracket, and this greatly benefits the federal government. In 2008 manufacturing was responsible for 32% of federal corporate tax revenue. Furthermore, in 2010, corporate income tax revenue comprised 9% of the total 2.16 trillion dollars in tax revenue generated; that's 19.4 million dollars. Image that, through the decrease of scarcity & traditional manufacturing and an increase of 3D printing at home, that the 9% federal revenue is reduced. This will have a huge impact on federal funding, especially for the less-funded programs such as veteran benefits and services which account for 3% of federal funding, energy (2%), natural resources and environment (1%), transportation (3%), international affairs (1%), general science, space, and technology (1%), administration of justice (1%), and general government (1%). In 2010, community and regional development accounted for only 1% of total federal spending; 2.16 million. With a decrease of federal spending, these programs are sure to be hurt first. Of course, these numbers don't take into account the businesses operated as sole proprietorships - 70% of most businesses in 2008. Nor does it take into account state manufacturing corporate tax revenue. Essentially, I am just scratching the surface by exposing federal impacts of a transitioning economy, however, this will also have a rippling effect on local economies.

How do you think the transition to a 3D manufacturing economy will impact cities? What would you print for the benefit of cities? 

Credits: Images and data linked to sources.