The growing dominance of the creative economy challenges cities and regions to move beyond the impulse toward "big ticket" economic development strategies like stadiums and convention centres and consider increased support for community-level strategies that encourage social and cultural diversity. Vibrant street scenes, eclectic restaurants and social venues, and acceptance of those who defy the cultural norms produce the places where creative, innovative, and talented people want to live and work. This creative class represents a critical component to economic success and prosperity. The research described in this paper underscores the economic importance of national and regional policy issues like the nurturing of arts and creativity in communities and educational systems, immigration and settlement policies, and support for marginalized populations like the gay and lesbian community. Recent American efforts to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples and curtail immigration could have unfortunate economic consequences by limiting the creative and innovative possibilities associated with a vibrant and diverse society. Conversely, Canada's recent movement toward legalization of civil marriage for same-sex couples bodes well as a demonstration of a willingness to embrace and support social and cultural diversity. (Contains 3 figures and 9 endnotes.)