The Land of In-Between: Revitalizing America’s Small and Mid-sized Cities

After decades of slow urban decay, U.S. cities are experiencing a renaissance. New development and investment are rapidly changing the face of our nation’s urban areas. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy was experiencing its longest period of growth in history and its lowest unemployment rate in nearly half a century. But such prosperity was not equally dispersed across the nation, with some regions reaping more of the benefits of this expansion. This report focuses on smaller metro regions in the U.S., fundamental to our national economy and where the plurality of citizens lives. Although these small and mid-sized communities have recently experienced decline and stagnation, many regions are now seen as new lands of opportunity for people fleeing the high cost of living and stress of big city living. CSIS research centers on two case studies to analyze what policies and actions governments and local stakeholders are implementing to encourage renewal and growth.

Data Used for Reference

Master BLS Job Data

Master BLS Wage Data

Federal Economic Assistance Matrix 

This report is made possible through the generous support of the Alcoa Foundation.