National Report Profiles Future of Smaller, Industrial Cities
August 7, 2008
PolicyLink, a research institute dedicated to advancing economic and social equity, has issued a new report entitled To Be Strong Again: Renewing the Promise in Smaller Industrial Cities. The report presents an overview of small industrial cities - those with a historic industrial base, a population of less than 150,000, and low household median income - and recommends strategies for improvement in areas of land use, fiscal planning, economic development, infrastructure, and neighborhood revitalization.
This week’s Southern Compass newsletter from the Southern Growth Policies Board highlighted the resource. Joplin makes the list of cities categorized in this report. At first glance though, the report profiles several strengths and opportunities for smaller communities throughout the Four-States region.
“We saw innovative, exciting efforts being undertaken by local leaders in smaller industrial cities who were working tirelessly to revitalize their communities in a manner that ensures that all residents participate and prosper,” noted PolicyLink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell. “This report seeks to cast a spotlight on the concerns, insights, and successes of these local leaders.”
