Laserfiche WebLink
Our understanding of what makes an ideal environment <br />for manufacturing is changing. Traditional assumptions of <br />large, sometimes polluted and isolated spaces are giving <br />way to manufacturing infrastructure that is small, clean, <br />sometimes shared amongst multiple firms, and integrated <br />with other land uses. Communities benefit in a number of <br />ways when they bring manufacturing and small <br />production businesses into neighborhoods. <br />Small-scale producers and manufacturers attract people <br />to downtown and neighborhood centers who want to be <br />a part of that community and support locally made <br />products. <br />These businesses can occupy vacant industrial properties <br />or storefronts and they bring vitality to neighborhood <br />centers. Similarly, some manufacturers have found creative ways to be actively place conscious by <br />rehabilitating properties, creating shared workspaces, and locating facilities in places that are <br />accessible by public transportation. This strengthens the community of producers and promotes <br />the area as an employment avenue. Some businesses provide programming to engage residents; <br />often by making use of public spaces to create a vibrant street life and attract people to the target <br />areas on a more regular basis. <br />Additionally, small-scale manufacturing businesses are key assets for the local job base. These <br />jobs, as well as business ownership, provide options to residents without college or advanced <br />degrees. They also give opportunities to minority populations who might otherwise face language <br />or cultural barriers. <br />Communities with a diverse set of small businesses can weather market changes more <br />successfully and are less likely to lose their growing businesses to other cities or countries. Many <br />cities are working on a concept known as economic gardening —growing the size and scale of <br />existing local businesses —because these owners are most likely to stay in town. Additionally, <br />small-scale manufacturing jobs pay salaries 50-100 percent higher than service and retail jobs. <br />As such, providing space for these local producers to grow their business in neighborhoods can <br />help to connect more people to well -paying jobs, strengthen small business and startup sectors, <br />and keep jobs for a variety of education and skill levels in the community. These businesses and <br />their owners can help bring vitality to main streets and neighborhood centers and bring economic <br />opportunity to all. Furthermore, manufacturing employers benefit from being part of a close-knit <br />community with opportunities to make meaningful connections with nearby firms. Small businesses <br />located within the community are able to respond quickly to market demands. <br />Communities that recognize demand for these trends and harness their power will take a key step <br />towards diversifying their local economies, the local real estate markets, and the employment base. <br />While some communities have shown promise on this front, many more struggle to effectively <br />coordinate the ongoing public and private investments required. At the municipal level, staff, local <br />3 <br />