Restoring Prosperity
The Restoring Prosperity intiative aims to catalyze the economic revival of struggling older industrial communities in the Northeast and Midwest, building on successful efforts in Western Europe. Brookings is conducting tailored research in collaboration with a growing network of leaders from industrial cities and working to stimulate market generating policy reforms at the federal, state, and regional level.
In this Series
2009
June 05, 2009
Facing the worst foreclosure crisis since the Great Depression, the state of Ohio has responded by focusing on helping individuals keep their homes. Ohio must direct more attention and more resources to the devastating effects that foreclosures are having on entire communities, from the urban neighborhoods of Cleveland or Cincinnati to suburban and rural communities across the state.
2008
September 2008
A May 2007 Brookings report, “Restoring Prosperity,” examined how 302 U.S. cities fared on eight indicators of economic health and vitality. While the report's central focus was on cities facing the steepest economic challenges, the analysis showed that some raised their economic status over time. In-depth case studies of three of those cities—Akron, Chattanooga, and Louisville—illustrate how struggling cities can begin to reshape and reinvigorate their economies.
September 2008
A May 2007 Brookings report, “Restoring Prosperity,” examined how 302 U.S. cities fared on eight indicators of economic health and vitality. While the report's central focus was on cities facing the steepest economic challenges, the analysis showed that some raised their economic status over time. Chattanooga, Tennessee a few years ago faced what many smaller cities are struggling with today—a sudden decline after years of prosperity in the "old" economy. This case study offers a roadmap for these cities by chronicling Chattanooga's demise and rebirth.
September 2008
A May 2007 Brookings report, “Restoring Prosperity,” examined how 302 U.S. cities fared on eight indicators of economic health and vitality. While the report's central focus was on cities facing the steepest economic challenges, the analysis showed that some raised their economic status over time. This in-depth case studies of Louisville, Kentucky offers important lessons for other cities that are striving to compete in a very new economic era.
May 29, 2008
The mortgage foreclosure crisis has become an issue of growing concern over the past two years, particularly in many older industrial communities. Alan Mallack proposes a set of 10 action steps that state leaders can take to help mitigate its impact on families and neighborhoods—and prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future.
2007
May 2007
With over 16 million people and nearly 8.6 million jobs, America's older industrial cities remain a vital part of the economy, particularly in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania where they are heavily concentrated. Jennifer Vey outlines an asset-oriented agenda to mobilize governors and legislative leaders, plus local constituencies, behind reinvigorating the market in the nation's older industrial cities.