Commentator Neal Peirce argues that the nation's second-tier cities can indeed grow and prosper in partnership with leading metro areas, if we only give them a chance.
"Can Seattle's global prosperity be shared with Spokane and Bellingham? Will Chicago's economic vigor hold dividends for Milwaukee or Peoria? New York City is an acknowledged international "command and control" center, but what about Rochester and Buffalo?"
A new report from research group MassINC and the Brookings Institution says that if the country's prospering metropolises helped support surrounding outer-ring cities, economic development could be shared, and everyone would benefit.
How to do it? "There's a compellingly obvious answer: Bring the gateway cities into the new economy by channeling higher-tech businesses toward them. And use them as a base for expanded, affordable middle-class housing."
FULL STORY: Let's bring prosperity to our second-tier cities, too

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.

Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.

Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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