Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America's Small Cities (English and Spanish Edition)

Lessons learned and ideas on restoring declining inner cities including Haltom City and other small cities Why can’t we identify declining inner cities? An aging city core is not unusual. There have been many studies about the struggle to rebuild inner cities. As people look for the shiny penny, properties get old, rents fall, businesses move or close, and what is left is hard to bring back to its former glory. This book explores a unique perspective, identifying these trends in advance, and taking steps to prevent the demise of the core. Lessons learned and illusive solutions for revitalizing the inner city before it fails Mayors, city managers, and member of city councils across our nation are struggling to find ways to bring prosperity and jobs back to once-proud neighborhoods. The lessons seem obvious, but somehow also remain elusive. Public money is unlikely to bring a quick revitalization, and private investment is a must. The authors’ research shows that the best place to start is with a vibrant business community, while nurturing small business, old and new, to bring jobs, services and employment. The benefits, including a stronger tax base, seem obvious, yet cities are slow to change. Without dynamic leadership with business experience, the job of rebuilding is daunting. This focus when leveraged with public tools, can prevent decrepit, boarded up buildings and a downward spiral. This book explains how some small cities will win the beaty contest with a plan for revitalization, that copes with COVID and backfills vanishing retail and office spaces. Learn how to leverage the power of entrepreneurial thinking and private investment to turn the lights back on downtown in your city. Share this book with the mayor and members of your city council! The authors – one a successful serial entrepreneur and land developer, and the other a business analyst with city council experience bring fresh perspectives to the timely topic., ISBN13: 9780985111267 ISBN10: 0985111267 Material Type: paperback