Investing in Port Cities Now, Reaping Benefits Later

With the expansion of the Panama Canal expected to be complete in 2015, U.S. Port Cities are uniquely positioned to reap economic benefits of increased industrial activity.

1 minute read

October 12, 2012, 5:00 AM PDT

By icicorg


In a recent industrial-related blog post from ICIC, author Amanda Maher analyzes why the U.S. is poised for a comeback in manufacturing--and what this means for our port cities. Specifically, a burst in the domestic real estate bubble has reduced pressure on industrial land from commercial and residential uses, making it more cost-friendly to reuse and redevelop industrial sites.

Cities like Newark are taking proactive approaches to invest in industrial sites around their port. In the past 24 months alone, Brick City Development Corporation has facilitated the groundbreaking of 5 large food warehousing/distribution sites near the Newark Port, resulting in hundreds of jobs for Newark residents.

The article examines steps economic developers can take to prepare for the expected increase in industrial activity, including a little old-fashioned hand-holding.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 in ICIC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

15 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

1 hour ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive