A Plan For Helping Second-Tier Cities Prosper

Commentator Neal Peirce argues that the nation's second-tier cities can indeed grow and prosper in partnership with leading metro areas, if we only give them a chance.

1 minute read

March 8, 2007, 2:00 PM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Can Seattle's global prosperity be shared with Spokane and Bellingham? Will Chicago's economic vigor hold dividends for Milwaukee or Peoria? New York City is an acknowledged international "command and control" center, but what about Rochester and Buffalo?"

A new report from research group MassINC and the Brookings Institution says that if the country's prospering metropolises helped support surrounding outer-ring cities, economic development could be shared, and everyone would benefit.

How to do it? "There's a compellingly obvious answer: Bring the gateway cities into the new economy by channeling higher-tech businesses toward them. And use them as a base for expanded, affordable middle-class housing."

Wednesday, March 7, 2007 in The Houston Chronicle

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