Journalist’s Resource has offered up a good read that discusses the issues that continue to hold Rust Belt cities back, and shared some strategies that can help planners to overcome myriad pitfalls.
Strategies discussed:
Identify existing assets that provide a competitive advantage.
Historic landmarks and cultural identity can play a key role.
Social capital is essential.
Link economic growth and urban well-being.
And then there are the successful revitalization efforts, such as:
Start with core residential redevelopment.
Create viable neighborhoods.
Repurposing disinvested areas.
Develop pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure.
City greening works.
Contain sprawl.
Think regionally.
For a breakdown of the issues, you can read all about Urban Regeneration: What Recent Research Says About Best Practices by clicking here.