How Some Cities Stay Little

"Every big city was once little," begins an article by Kent Dussair before asking the big question: "But why do so many small towns never really grow?"

Dussair goes on to present six reasons why some small cities stay small—including four reasons that cities can control and two reasons beyond their control.

Among the factors that small towns can control, Dussair includes the politics of growth:

Once a no growth reputation is born, developers and business owners will often take the course of least resistance – if it is perceived that local authorities have policies that oppose growth they will quickly move on to greener pastures."

Dussair also includes the perpetual debate between revenues versus tax breaks:

…if the City wants to grow and become proactive in stimulating economic development, finding creative and acceptable ways to increase the tax base may be required.