UMass Donahue Institute releases City of Springfield Economic Assessment Report
UMDI has completed the City of Springfield Economic Assessment Project. In Fall 2007, the Institute designed and implemented a small business survey in conjunction with neighborhood focus groups to identify small business and neighborhood economic and program development needs. The neighborhoods of focus were the three HUD-designated Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs): the North End, the South End, and Six Corners/Old Hill. As a result of the survey, UMDI assisted the City in identifying key economic development needs and program areas. Residents and business owners clearly stated that if their neighborhoods were to become better places to live, work and do business, they need to be safer and cleaner with more effective and efficient basic City services. Lessons from other communities suggest that a coordinated approach involving varied municipal departments including Planning & Economic Development, public safety, public works, and inspectional services as well as neighborhood stakeholders is an effective strategy to meet the needs of these neighborhoods.
Related Documents:
City of Springfield Economic Assessment Project-PowerPoint Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint 0.1 MB)
City of Springfield Economic Assessment Project (PDF 2.5 MB)
April 02, 2008
