Small Cities Thinking Big

Despite a renewed interest in communities smaller than major metropolitan centers, many cities with a population of 100,000 or less struggle to compete with their larger neighbors and often have trouble attracting residents and new businesses. This book explores the numerous ways these cities can compete on a larger scale without sacrificing their small-town character by utilizing real-life experiences from other cities, as well as personal experiences from the author's time spent revitalizing Augusta, Maine (pop. 19,000). Featuring chapters that focus on organizing volunteers, adhering to aesthetics, marketing, urban planning, and more, this book tackles key paths every small city should follow when attempting to redevelop its image.