Investment is more likely to be cost effective in cities that are already close to becoming attractive and productive locations for firms and investors, and in cities that can support investments targeted to industries already interested in locating there. Investment in roads and connectivity based on careful spatial vision will in the long run help to evolve viable secondary cities. Policies targeting spatial investments should on this basis consider not just national but regional economic geography. The upshot is that governments should avoid policies that harm or undermine cities and their economic functioning.