Many older communities, especially the historic manufacturing, industrial, and transportation centers in the Northeast and Midwest, have suffered from population declines and lack of traditional employment opportunities – trends that have adverse implications for the upkeep of existing infrastructure, the effectiveness of traditional revitalization strategies, and the flow of federal funds from programs that allocate dollars based on population.  Sluggish markets and falling populations undermine the economic vitality, and strain the municipal resources of older communities.

Federal policy can, however, play a fundamental role in helping economically challenged communities capitalize on their existing assets.  For example, cities and towns with a strong tradition of industry are also home to many of our country’s finest colleges and universities. Through innovation and technological advancements, institutions of higher education can play a leading role in reviving the economic potential of weakened urban areas.  Federal policy that encourages strong university and business relationships leads to the entrepreneurial spirit needed for a prosperous regional economy.

Federal policy can also play a role in job creation and economic development by embracing and making a financial commitment to greener technologies for infrastructure repairs and improvements to energy efficiency in older industrial communities.  Training in “green collar” professions has the opportunity to both provide jobs to the region and create more sustainable communities.

Through the Revitalizing Older Cities Initiative, the Northeast-Midwest Institute works closely with its partners to disseminate information about the economic benefits of industry clusters and technology innovations in the rejuvenation of regional economies and the stabilization of employment.