What the World's Industrial Powers Can Learn from Pittsburgh
A few years ago, the British actress Sienna Miller was burned by the press after referring to the rustbelt city of Pittsburgh as "sh*tsburg" while in town to film a movie. Miller's views, however, are shared by many elites who dismiss the "Steel City" as a post-industrial wasteland. But dig a little deeper, argues the Economist, and you will find what their organization considers to be the "most liveable city in America."
All eyes will be on Pittsburgh this week as the city hosts the G20 conference, a pow-wow of the planet's 19 top industrial nations, plus the EU. According to the Economist, the attending foreign ministers might learn a few things from Pittsburgh's "transformation," as they too preside over cities struggling to make the switch away from manufacturing. Here are a few of the lessons:
- Diversify the economy: After the steel industry collapsed in the 1980s, healthcare and education picked up the slack (and those industries are still adding jobs to the region, despite the recession)
- Partnerships are key: State and local officials provided investment, while universities and community and corporate leaders came together to develop economic and business strategies for the region
- Go green: The waterfront, once lined with factories, has been given over to parks. The city has fostered its "green technology" sector, says President Obama. The G20 will be hosted in the world's first and largest LEED-certified convention center
- Help entrepreneurs: Innovation Works, a state-aided seed fund, supports firms in their earliest stages of development. The region's 35 universities provide support and talent
- Don't overlook quality of life factors: People are drawn to the region's well-paid jobs, low cost of living and good schools. The city boasts the top-flight Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Opera, as well as a host of theaters. Gorgeous Victorian townhouses can be bought for amazing prices
Photo by Flickr user "Herbert Spencer," CC 2.0.