Improving Quality of Life—Not Just Business—is the Best Path to Midwestern Rrejuvenation

Over the course of the 20th century and into recent years, America’s industrial Midwest — once a landscape of similar small and large manufacturing and mill towns — has evolved. This research finds that community amenities such as recreation opportunities, cultural activities, and excellent services (e.g., good schools, transportation options) are likely bigger contributors to healthy local economies than traditional “business-friendly” measures. Smaller places with a higher quality of life experience both higher employment and population growth than similarly situated communities, including those that rank high by traditional economic competitiveness measures.