In what Bentley believes could signal "a transformational moment for the region," major public and private forces in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus are working together to try to reverse decades of sprawl and "capitalize on a renewed interest in city living" to "rebuild hollowed-out tax bases." By diversifying their economies, offering creative financial incentives, and forging partnerships between public agencies, non-profits, and private developers, these Rust Belt neighbors hope they've found the right formula to catalyze a sustainable urban renaissance.
With decimated tax bases, crumbling infrastructure, histories of dubious urban investment, and continued suburban growth, the challenges to cementing recent gains as an enduring "Rust Belt rebound" are many.
