Economic Development Strategy, Planning, and Evaluation
Mt. Auburn provides a full range of consulting services in the field of economic development analysis and strategy. Working with a variety of public and private organizations, the firm creates effective economic development policies and programs that promote economic growth and stability, job generation, and the improved functioning of capital markets.
about us
small cities
Over the past 20 years, Mt. Auburn Associates has worked with about 25 smaller cities on the design and implementation of strategic economic development plans. While we have also worked in inner-city neighborhoods of larger cities as well as in very rural regions, the focus of our work has been in smaller industrial cities with a rich manufacturing past. These cities include Springfield, Fitchburg and Fall River, in Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; New Haven, New London, Waterbury, and Hartford in Connecticut; Kingston and Glens Falls in New York; Waterville and Lewiston in Maine; and St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau in Missouri.
Mt. Auburn’s interest and expertise in the economic development opportunities and challenges in the nation’s smaller cities led to our study Third-Tier Cities: Adjusting to the New Economy. This research project, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, examined the economic adjustment challenges of the nation’s small cities. The work included an analysis of economic data on all U.S. cities, the creation of an extensive database on cities with between 15,000 and 125,000 in population, short case studies of ten small cities, some of which were selected because of their positive economic adjustment experience, and the development of recommendations for furthering the economic success of smaller cities.
In short, there are few consulting firms that understand both the economic barriers that smaller cities face, as well as the effective economic strategies needed to ensure their economic prosperity.
representative projects
Beyond the Crossroads: Positioning Nashua to Compete in the Global Economy.
Third Tier Cities: Adjusting to the New Economy. The report, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, documents the declining fortunes of America's roughly 500 smaller cities. The study builds on Mt. Auburn's work in "third tier" cities like St. Joseph, Missouri, Nashua, New Hampshire, Augusta, Maine, Utica and Kingston, New York, and Fitchburg, Massachusetts. In their efforts to adjust to the new economic environment, these cities must overcome barriers such as outmoded infrastructure and dependency on traditional industry. Their smaller populations mean a smaller market, less capacity, less economic diversification, and fewer resources. For the full report, click here.
Strategic Plan for Fall River, Massachusetts.
Glens Falls and Warren County, New York Economic Development Strategy.
Strategic Action Plan for MetroHartford—The Millennium Project.
in the news
Summer, 2001
