MassINC and The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program have issued a new report entitled Reconnecting Massachusetts Gateway Cities: Lessons Learned and an Agenda for Renewal (via WBUR and USA Today). The report looks at the State's overall successful transition to a "knowledge-based economy" and why 11 of its Gateway Cities seem to be left out of the good news.
The Gateway Cities examined in the report are all former mill and industrial cities that have faced decline since the 1970's. They are home to 15% of the state's population but 30% of residents living below the poverty line.
Brockton
Fall River
Fitchburg
Haverhill
Holyoke
Lawrence
Lowell
New Bedford
Springfield
Pittsfield
Worcester
The report points out that these cities have significantly lower housing costs than the Metro Boston area and therefore offer a solution to the workforce housing crunch. They also are ideal for "smart growth" development and have intact, diverse populations that are hungry for growth and economic advancement. The report's recommendations break down into three categories: 1. Fix the basics—both physical and human infrastructure improvements, removing barriers to entry for new development and business. 2. Build the Middle-Class Workforce of Tomorrow—education, education, education and greater support for low-income families. 3. Create New Economic Connections for the 21st Century—connections between local business communities and the Metro Boston core and support for/from the UMass system.
I didn't see much that was earth shatteringly new, but the report does a good job of laying out the potential of these communities and the challenges that they face. Obviously, we believe that these cities are a good investment. As the USA Today article points out, Lawrence has come a long way in the few years that we've been working there, adding capacity at the municipal level and getting some city investment on the ground. We get the feeling that the tide is starting to flow into these communities. We are excited to be a part of it but aren't selfish—the more, the merrier.
therevitalist