Big cities are ascendant, enjoying accelerated job growth in a knowledge-driven economy, while midsize cities, small metro areas and rural communities struggle to keep pace. What if the best way to rejuvenate small towns is to invest in cities? There is already clear evidence that the economic prosperity of cities and metropolitan areas benefits small towns. Rural communities also tend to have stronger economies when they are similar to or near cities. For instance, “micropolitan areas” — rural communities with small urban centers — have rebounded to near-pre-recession employment levels, and rural communities adjacent to cities fare better than remote counties.

Source: New York Times April 23, 2019 22:52 UTC