SMALLER INDUSTRIAL CITIES

SMALLER INDUSTRIAL CITIES

Recommendations

PolicyLink, a national public policy organization, released a report, “To Be Strong Again: Renewing the Promise in Smaller Industrial Cities.” The report provides recommendations for smaller industrial cities to help them move forward. The report includes projects being implemented in Youngstown — including the Youngstown 2010 redevelopment plan and the focus on supporting entrepreneurial companies through the business incubator — as ways for these cities to advance. The recommended areas of focus are:

LAND USE AND FISCAL POLICY

Engage all stakeholders to craft a vision and land-use plan to guide development and investment.

Reclaim and restore vacant and abandoned properties through a systematic, coordinated approach.

Work with surrounding jurisdictions to provide planning and other services that help the entire region.

Develop innovated financing techniques to meet community needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Target state infrastructure investments.

Invest in public transportation.

Treat urban greening as an essential investment.

ECONOMIC RENEWAL

Tie job training to regional industry needs and trends.

Make sure developers who receive public subsidies are held accountable.

Cultivate a skilled workforce and invest in students and public schools.

Support local and regional entrepreneurship.

Invest in projects that generate economic, cultural and community improvement.

Cultivate new and sustainable economic niches.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Target public resources to specific neighborhoods.

Engage anchor institutions, such as hospitals and universities, in neighborhood development.

Find regional answers to problems that plague neighborhoods.

Restore vibrant, diverse neighborhoods with programs that promote and support mixed-income housing.

Source: To Be Strong Again: Renewing the Promise in Smaller Industrial Cities report