The correct choice is "milieu." The context of the passage implies that cities with a lively and engaging social and cultural atmosphere are more appealing to young professionals. The choices "blight," "rarity," and "vacuity" do not fit the context.

The correct choice is "prudent." The context of the passage describes careful and wise decisions made in response to the financial decline. The other choices do not fit the context. "Hasty" suggests rushed decisions, "counterproductive" implies actions that would worsen the situation, and "superfluous" indicates unnecessary or extra choices.

The correct choice is "introspective." The context of the passage implies that the author provides a deep and thoughtful analysis of her own experiences. The other choices do not fit the context. "Abridged" means shortened, "ambiguous" suggests unclear or uncertain, and "derivative" implies unoriginal or imitative.

The correct choice is "promote." The context of the passage describes policies aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy sources to address climate change. The other choices do not fit the context. "Restrict" implies limiting access, "exacerbate" suggests worsening the situation, and "undermine" indicates weakening or sabotaging efforts.

The correct choice is "stringent." The passage describes a situation in which the budget has been harshly restricted to save costs. The other choices do not fit the context. "Burgeoning" implies rapid growth, "disparate" suggests distinct or different, and "lavish" means luxurious or extravagant.