Equitably Developing America's Smaller Legacy Cities

Investing in Residents from South Bend to Worcester

Erica Spaid Patras, Alison Goebel, and Lindsey Elam

“The strategies outlined in Equitably Developing America’s Smaller Legacy Cities will be vital in rebuilding more racially and economically equitable legacy cities. Every municipal leader in the country should engage with this guide and be bold in their efforts to revitalize their communities in a post-COVID era.”

— Akilah Watkins, president and CEO, Center for Community Progress.

Once drivers of industry and wealth, many smaller industrial cities in the Rust Belt declined in the 20th and 21st centuries due to changing industries and government policies that steered investments away from communities of color. This report presents strategies for reinventing these places—tapping their full potential while preparing workers for jobs, helping local businesses expand, empowering residents to become civic leaders, and preventing displacement.

Webinar

Rebuilding With Equity: The Future of Smaller Legacy Cities, June 29, 2021, will feature presentations from leaders who have implemented some of the strategies outlined in this report.

About the Authors

Erica Spaid Patras is senior manager of special projects at the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

Alison Goebel is executive director of the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

Lindsey Elam is manager of research at the Greater Ohio Policy Center.

Reviews

“This report demonstrates a keen understanding of legacy cities, and the policy recommendations are robust and easily understandable.”

— Jason Segedy, Director of Planning and Urban Development, Akron, Ohio

“Confronting and correcting the legacy of racism is one of the most pressing issues facing smaller, older industrial cities today, particularly in a post-COVID world. Equitably Developing America’s Smaller Legacy Cities lays out a series of clear recommendations for leaders in small legacy cities to build more equitable and thriving communities.”

— Nan Whaley, Mayor, Dayton, Ohio

“This report provides a clear rationale and framework for applying equitable development principles in legacy cities, as well as detailed examples of how local innovators are putting those principles into practice. Patras, Goebel, and Elam’s insights will both inform and inspire legacy city leaders.”

— Alan Berube, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program

“Equitably Developing America’s Smaller Legacy Cities is an actionable report that offers both overarching strategic guidance and thoughtful tactical advice to advance equity in the context of facilitating economic growth. The recommendations and case studies, which center on the opportunities and challenges presented by smaller legacy cities, are broadly sharable, valuable lessons for practitioners and stakeholders in all places, irrespective of size.”

— Priscilla Almodovar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.