Question:
I live in Danville, IL. Our population from the year 2000 to 2024 has only seen one year (2017) of increase. Danville's currently has a population of 28,206. Employed population is 10,388 (- 500), but we are still losing businesses. The median household income $42K (+/- 3K). Median property value $79K, which I believe is incorrect data due to a lot of blight and housing found to be not up to code which has led to the increase in homeless citizens. We have no shelters. The rate of poverty last recorded was around 25% but I believe it to be around 35% (+/- 5%). People have been leaving due to consistent tax increases with no improvements, especially for homeowners. We have seen small businesses come and go, franchise's come and go that typically last maybe 3-5yrs before closing. We recently had a casino open in which they are struggling. With all of these ailments, what would be the first prescription that you would prescribe towards this infection?Answer:
Many small cities have struggled economically in the past half century, especially in the Midwest with previously manufacturing-heavy local economies.
Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes and no clear path to a turnaround. For the most part, the manufacturing jobs that left are not coming back. And people that left long ago for other parts of the country are largely not coming back. Persistent poverty that has set in may take many years to reverse.
However, there is hope. Some of these small cities can evolve, stabilize themselves, and even thrive. Academics and policymakers have identified two key things that can work: 1) build up local amenities, and 2) nurture home-grown entrepreneurs. There is a lot of information online about both of these. I will discuss some underdiscussed aspects and practical advice on the first one targeted to residents and not elected officials.
Fundamentally, all people want to live in a nice place. Some places are endowed with great weather, access to national parks, mountains, beaches, etc., but this is not generally the case. Residents also care about schools, parks, cleanliness, safety, and other things that local governments and local residents can improve. Improving some of these can be very expensive, but local residents can start small in some areas to make things nicer and build community. For example, work with existing non-profits and schools in the area or start new organizations that do things like weekend litter clean up of parks, schools, downtown areas, and other public places. A small act like cleaning up litter can make everything look nicer and help build community among the people picking up litter and show other people that their neighbors care about their community. It is also great for the environment! After school tutoring and reading programs are another low-cost opportunity and one that is also not as subject to weather conditions and physical abilities. If these are in place, there are some slightly more ambitious activities like creating farmers markets, downtown free music events, and cultural and community activities that give people something to do and a reason to interact with their neighbors.
If that all sounds like a lot of work, that is because it is. But for those who are deeply committed to their local community, it can be worth it.
People and places facing adversity have two options: accept defeat or fight to survive and one day thrive. I hope you choose the second one.
