Businessmen and entrepreneurs want to build up new tech hubs in the middle of the U.S., but Midwestern humility and a lack of monetary drive hold them back.
Entrepreneurs, such as John Wirtz of Hudl, believe that start-up companies can thrive in the Midwest. But, as Eric Markowitz reports, companies need to keep the talent from running off to the coasts and businessmen need to shake their sense of farmer's humility.
Dusty Reynolds, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged that farmers used to never talk about their farming practices or successes, and believes that restrained mentality has continued in Midwestern start-ups.
Investor Tom Chapman's opinion aligns with Reynolds's: "I think we're bad at PR. That creates two problems. One, the entrepreneurs are not going to go out and toot their own horn. The second problem is that we don't have enough guys who want to have a billion-dollar company."
But be sure not to underestimate the Silicon Prairie's companies. Wirtz warns, "We are destroying our competitors...you better pay attention or else you're going to get beat."
FULL STORY: The Trouble with Starting Up in the Heartland
Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing
It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.
The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the US
The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2023 population estimates on May 16 showing a slew of data for cities of all sizes and regions. Do you know the population change last year for the 15 largest cities in your state?
Kansas City: 'Silicon Prairie?'
The city's growth and the arrival of tech giants like Meta could signal a tech-based renaissance.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.
Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.
More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions