Small Cities Blues: Looking for Growth Factors in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

Abstract

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The Cultural Economy of Small Cities

“…Studies of small cities enable important interventions into a diverse range of debates within urban theory, including the study of how small cities are integrated into global flows of capital, culture and people, not only by highlighting the role of small cities as global nodes, but also by critiquing the limited number of measures currently being used to categorize 'global cities' (Burayidi 2001;Clancey 2004;Hardoy and Satterthwaite 1986;Herrington 1977;Ofori-Amoah 2007). Other studies have addressed economic growth in small cities (Erickcek and McKinney 2004;Lipscomb 2003;Paradis 2002), the social implications of the in-migration of 'creative labour' (Asheim 2009); the importance of community and sense of place (Paradis 2000;Talen 1999;Zeldin 2002), as well as showing how urban regeneration is conceived and pursued in small cities (Barnes et al 2006;Miles 2006;Smith 2007;Waitt 2006).…”

“…The issue of liveability is also regarded as important in other studies of small cities in the USA, Canada and Australia, particularly in terms of competitive advantage based on 'quality of life' indicators that are attractive not only to footloose businesses and tourists (Christopherson 2004) but also to 'downsizing' urbanites (including creatives) trading city incomes for a quieter life, better work ⁄ life balance, cheaper rents and inspiring hinterlands (Andersen 2010;Verdich 2010). For example, in their statistical analysis of small city growth in the USA, Erickcek and McKinney (2004) identify positive correlations between small cities and 'creative-city-like' features, such as enterprise culture, the presence of higher education institutions and 'natural amenities', which are deemed to be positive attractions. Taking a different tack, Nevarez (2003) shows how some small cities trade on conventional ideas of the beauty, nature and glamour of southern California as key characteristics of their success.…”

Small Cities? Towards a Research Agenda

“…To aid us in this task, we will turn to the (small) body of literature that does specifically discuss small cities. Previous studies have focused on small cities in developing countries (Rondinelli, 1983;Hardoy and Satterthwaite, 1986a); addressed economic growth in small cities (Burayidi, 2001;Paradis, 2002;Nevarez, 2003;Erickcek and McKinney, 2004); investigated the importance of community and sense of place (Talen, 1999;Paradis, 2000); looked at income inequality (Nord, 1980) and housing (Lipscomb, 2003); as well as highlighting the role of cultural regeneration in the development of small cities (Christopherson, 2004;Markusen, 2004). However, to be fair to these authors, the 'smallness' of cities as a topic in its own right has not been a central focus of their research.…”

Prosperity and the New Economy in Canada’s major city regions

“…The fortunes of second tier urban areas have not always been as favorable (Coffey and Shearmur 1996;Gottlieb 1995). Smaller urban areas often have less diverse economic bases, providing them with fewer resiliencies when faced with a plant closing or other economic downturn (Erickek and McKinney 2004;Polèse and Shearmur 2006;Akyeampong 2007). Demographics also work against these smaller cities: young adults and seniors may leave for jobs and retirement homes, respectively.…”

“…2 These jobs pay well but typically require considerable education and training (Glaeser and Mare 2001;Erickek and McKinney 2004;Duderstadt 2005). As a result, they may not be a perfect substitute for lost Manufacturing jobs that often have relatively low educational requirements.…”