Manufacturing recovery : a networked approach to green job creation in Massachusetts Gateway cities

[摘要] In this thesis, I compare workforce development planning in Lawrence and Lowell, Massachusetts, two of the state;;s older industrial ;;Gateway;; cities. I specifically examine local planning processes around job creation in the clean technology (clean tech) sector. Contradicting the notion of the cities as ;;urban twins,;; I find that Lawrence;;s original physical and social design led to a pattern of economic disinvestment and a deficit of municipal planning capacity compared to Lowell. Today, Lawrence experiences the resulting disadvantage when it competes with Lowell for clean tech economic development funds. I argue that state and federal policymakers should recognize critical differences that exist among even the seemingly most similar communities and implement strong, place-based programs so that investments in green workforce development do not perpetuate the historic inequities that cities such as Lawrence face. I conclude by proposing a networked planning strategy that, with stimulus from the state and federal governments, could help Lawrence and Lowell to leverage more effectively and collaboratively their respective assets in support of a regional green economy.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology