Part of Buffalo, New York's decline, writes Amy Kedron, involved a shift from local to non-local ownership of businesses. A movement is afoot to encourage businesses to "Think Local First."
Development proposals have centered around bringing in non-local businesses, writes Kedron (former director of Buffalo First):
"The best example of the city's allegiance to top-down development is Canal Side, a massive waterfront redevelopment plan, which was to be anchored by mega-retailer, Bass Pro. The city and county took the greater part of a decade to plan this single project and earmarked $14 million for it."
She argues that the lack of investment in local businesses has hindered the city's success:
"Neighborhoods grow around Main Street arteries and local businesses are beating hearts attached to them."
FULL STORY: Buffalo Makes Way for Rust Belt Localism
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