Preventing depressions (SC3)

Contributor/author(s): Patvann

To prevent a Depression from occurring, or to shorten the duration of one, there are some simple things a Mayor can do.

First, it is important to understand the reasons and mechanics of why a Depression occurs. The primary trigger for a depression is that the percentage of Sims working falls below a threshold point of 50%. More Sims are "living off the dole" then are supporting the over-all economy. One can see this by looking in the window titled: "Population" (click Adjust and Review -> View Data -> Charts -> Population).

In a Depression, one will see the green bar-graphs having a "U" shape to them. The goal is to get an over-all down-ward trend to these bars, all the time. The other window to look at is "Health", showing the "Life Expectancy" of the Sims. The goal is to get this age down to 88 years, instead of 89, without making the Sims upset.

Doing this requires a few simple changes that may seem counter to being a good and benevolent Mayor. It is critical to have these changes in place only AFTER your city is stable, and is around 100 years old. Prior to this, the effects are not realized and may in fact be detrimental to the Sims' happiness, and the city's' growth.

1. In the "Budget/Expenditures" window, set the money spent on "Health" down, so that the right-side of the Adjustment Slider is is just touching the left-side of the 100%-funded bar. This will keep the hospital workers from striking, but the Sims healthy enough.
2. Keep enough Hospitals built to prevent over-crowding. This is important to the Sims.
3. Repeal the following Ordinances: Community CPR Training, Free Clinics, Public Smoking Ban, and Crossing Guards.
4. Keep these settings from now on.

If the rest of your settings and spending are optimized, these settings will not hurt growth, or Aura, and will even save a few simoleans.

A good Mayor may think that these steps may hurt the retired and old Sims. They will. Put your moral thinking, and big heart to the side, take a deep breath, and kill-off the old folks.

Remember, it's only a game! If you still feel guilty, go give your REAL Grandma a hug, and some flowers.

See also
The Great Depression
Life expectancy at 90: dire implications!
Dealing with the Great Depression
Avoiding the Great Depression all together
The Great Depression - result of aging population?