I'm supposed to be working, so this idea isn't fully thought out yet...
I propose they implement urban sprawl. As a city grows in population, it would occupy additional squares in the city radius. This would represent the loss of farmland for industrial and housing development.
To offset this lost production and food, have additional techs for advanced farming and hydroponics to improve output of the remaining squares.
If cities in close proximity have urban sprawl join them, they can amalgamate into a super-metropolis. The new city would have the same area as the previous 2 cities combined, which could possibly see cities with 300-400 shields/turn.. great cities for building spaceship parts.
I propose they implement urban sprawl. As a city grows in population, it would occupy additional squares in the city radius. This would represent the loss of farmland for industrial and housing development.
To offset this lost production and food, have additional techs for advanced farming and hydroponics to improve output of the remaining squares.
If cities in close proximity have urban sprawl join them, they can amalgamate into a super-metropolis. The new city would have the same area as the previous 2 cities combined, which could possibly see cities with 300-400 shields/turn.. great cities for building spaceship parts.