Boston's back streets : planning a city program to preserve and enhance Boston's industrial health

Abstract

This study examines a new economic development initiative designed by the city of Boston to support its remaining small- and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing-related businesses. In reviewing this initiative - called Back Streets - the study looks at Boston's past, current, and projected major industrial sectors in order to provide an understanding of how the Back Streets initiative is or is not congruent with the city's overall economic and employment needs. Through an analysis of the proposed initiative's components; the way it is being viewed and received by key stakeholder groups; and an examination of economic development strategies in four other cities, this study offers recommendations for enhancement of the initiative and its potential contribution to an integrated economic development and planning policy for Boston.