This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Mayer, H. J. Articles by Greenberg, M. R. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Coming Back from Economic Despair: Case Studies of Small- and Medium-Size American Cities

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Michael R. Greenberg

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The authors examined a geographically and economically diverse group of 34 small- and medium-size communities that experienced long periods of economic prosperity built around a major industry or company and that then suffered economic declines when those industries substantially reduced their workforces and in some instances closed. The authors’ interviews with local officials and community leaders found that the response to this weakened economic position was typically delayed: Often, a decade or more was required before a plan of action to attract new business and diversify its employment base was developed. Environmental and labor stigmas also had to be overcome. These places provide a valuable insight into what may lie ahead for other small- and medium-size communities that could be affected by the loss of a dominant employer and others that may be faced with economic stagnation. The lack of leadership and a shared vision within a community is likely to prove economically disastrous.

Economic Development Quarterly, Vol. 15, No. 3, 203-216 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/089124240101500301


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				G. A. Erickcek and H. McKinney "Small Cities Blues:" Looking for Growth Factors in Small and Medium-Sized Cities Economic Development Quarterly, August 1, 2006; 20(3): 232 - 258. [Abstract] [PDF]