Several American cities that suffered some hard knocks in the past are currently making a comeback. Cities such as Detroit, Oakland, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, which, in previous years suffered through factory shutdowns and race-related public issues are using their dramatic histories to attract new people into their neighborhoods, as well as tourists and new businesses. City administrators and their PR executives say that their ups and downs in the past have shaped and molded the city residents and the cities into what they are right now.
Visit Pittsburgh Campaign
Pittsburgh has been a blue collar city as well as a steel city. But for the city’s vice president for communications, Connie George, these are not negative issues, according to her message at the Visit Pittsburgh website that was launched just recently. They are running a campaign for the city, with a “mighty beautiful” theme. The idea for the phrase came from the suggestions given by visitors to the city as well as potential visitors they have surveyed. It’s a combination of the immigrant history in the city as well as its natural hilly landscape. Ms. George added that the residents in the city are approachable and like to invite people to sit on their porch.
It used to be that tourists were always looking for amusement parks, beautiful old mansions, historic sites and landmark gardens when they visit a city. Although traditional tourist fares still top the list, the character of the city is now an added allure to tourists. Today, various themes like hard work, activism and steel are appreciated by visitors.
The recession had a great impact on several communities, hence they have decided to approach development and resurgence differently. They had to think of innovative ways to attract new residents and tourists. Pittsburgh is suffering from a dwindling population due to the decline of manufacturing and steel industries, as residents were forced to move to areas where they could gain better employment.
Pittsburgh is however determined to make a comeback. Authorities held focus groups and surveys of the people that visited the city, such as those from Buffalo, Columbus and Cleveland. They asked these people to tell them what they would like to see and how they view Pittsburgh. The results were what is now highlighted in the Visit Pittsburgh website – a resilient city full of history and present-day activities and destinations.
Visit Oakland Campaigm
Oakland is known for its ethnic and racial diversity. It is the birthplace of the Black Panthers, founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. This is what Oakland is now promoting, together with the bohemian atmosphere that prevails in the city. The Visit Oakland campaign centers on marketing a warmer, less expensive and more diverse city of 400,000 people, compared to other cities in San Francisco. Oakland is also marketed as a haven for artists and foodies.
The city celebrates its history of standing up for what’s fair and just, for having the strength to stand up for what they believe in, particularly the issue of racial independence.
Visit Detroit Campaign
A Comeback City – this is the slogan of Detroit according to the CEO of Visit Detroit, Larry Alexander. The city’s tourism bureau is actively spreading the word about the city’s investments for a new sports arena, the city’s riverfront and a new convention center, which will cost the city about $1.4 billion. Detroit, once a flourishing manufacturing city suffered bankruptcy in the past, but is now very aggressive in making a comeback with these investments. And the investments are paying off, with the city becoming a very popular place for meetings and conventions.
Recurring theme
A common theme among these cities is that they were able to move on despite seeing hard times. They feel that their grit and enduring spirit could be part of the draw for people to come and visit their city, because these characteristics make them different from other cities.
Image credit: Manchester Bridge Pier Pittsburgh taken by Lee Paxton under Public Domain.
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