Shrinking Cities and Changes in Neighborhood Stabilization Policies
How have cities fared during these challenging economic times? While the 1990s and early 2000 was a period of growth and stability for a number of cities, some continued to lose population and industry. The recent economic and housing downturn has exacerbated many of the issues faced by city managers and public officials in these areas and many have applied for funds through Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1) established by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. A second wave of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds (NSP2) was provided through competitive grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Using information from the US Census Bureau, I identify cities that can be considered shrinking cities between 1990 and 2000 based on population size and examine their strategies for neighborhood stabilization. Data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and data provided by city officials to HUD about NSP1 and NSP2 funds allocation and earmarks are used to assess urban resilience and revitalization strategies that are being considered or employed. Preliminary findings indicate that cities that can be classified as central cities (they are the largest cities in their metropolitan areas) that have experienced significant population out-migration over time are more likely to consider aggressive policies that have broader reach, and cities that can be classified as satellite cities (cities that are not the largest cities in the metropolitan areas of which they are a part) that have had relative stability or experienced population growth are more likely to consider targeted policies that address specific communities and needs