A new report highlights the struggles of historic mill cities in Massachusetts as they lose thousands of jobs and strain to attract high-tech industries.
"The municipalities -- dubbed 'gateway cities' -- are at risk of falling further behind Boston, according to the MassINC report, as they struggle to attract high-tech and other innovative industries because of shortages of trained workers, limited transportation systems, and patchy broadband access."
"According to the report, the share of the state's technology firms located in Greater Boston increased from 53 to 60 percent between 1991 and 2004, while the share of these companies located in the gateway cities, so-called in part because of their large immigrant population, declined from 8 to 6 percent in the same period. Meanwhile, manufacturing jobs have continued to disappear, leaving the total number of private-sector jobs in the gateway cities at their 1960s levels."
"The 11 cities studied -- Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester -- are home to 30 percent of all state residents living below the poverty line, even though they account for just 15 percent of the population."
FULL STORY: 11 cities seen at risk of slipping further
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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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.
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