About the Rust Belt resurgence series

These stories about Camden, N.J., are the fourth part of an occasional series analyzing conditions in Rust Belt cities and urban revitalization efforts. Visit http://www.nwi.com/camden to view a photo gallery, videos and additional content gathered in Camden.

RUST BELT RESURGENCE: Why does NWI care about Camden?

Aside from geographic difference, Gary and Camden share similar ties in what brought them significant economic fortunes and how they reached periods of decline.

EDITORIAL: Gary's rebirth requires many midwives

The crowd of 500 people at Tuesday's prayer breakfast at the Genesis Center in downtown Gary proved false the assertion by skeptics that the city doesn't have a prayer. Gary does have a lot of energy, as the crowd in that room can attest.

Residents share their thoughts on Gary's future

Many region residents who attended Tuesday's City of Promise event shared their experiences and impressions of Gary and their recommendations for improving it:

RDA director: Finite window open for projects

EAST CHICAGO | The projects the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is supporting portend to have great benefits for the region.

Mayor's message: Economic development can come in various forms

GARY | Having a main line to the White House has helped the city of Elkhart in recent years.

Leaders in former auto powerhouse work through recovery process

FLINT, Mich. | Lorene Randall could have left the city years ago. Randall retired from Delphi Corp. after working 34 years for it and its predecessor companies in Flint. Her husband Frank died nearly four years ago, and her 27-year-old grandson, Jermaine, was gunned down in a drive-by shooti…

Rust belt resurgence: Leaders manage recovery

City officials and business leaders say Flint is at least moving in the right direction to make over its downtown, attract younger people to the area and rebuild its jobs base. But the aura of a dangerous reputation lingers over the city.

Creating relevance in the Rust Belt

Battling blight, population loss and crime are challenges for any mayor to face. But last week at the Gary and Region Investment Project's first Urban Exchange event, Youngstown, Ohio, Mayor Jay Williams said that one of the biggest battles he's had to fight is helping to change the mindset …

Fixing an ailing business culture has helped Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio | Convincing people this city is open for business has been a battle during the last several decades.

Youngstown is worth saving, leaders say

Here are some answers from leaders in the city:

Rust Belt Resurgence: Youngstown, Ohio photos

View photos by Tim Hunt of Youngstown, Ohio.

March 13, 2011 12:00 am

Businessman protesting Jackson Family Foundation by assuming group's identity

A dizzying name game is under way with the proposed Steel City shrine to Michael Jackson and his family.

EDITORIAL: Getting a GRIP on area's priorities

Revitalizing the urban core in Northwest Indiana can seem like such a daunting task that it's hard to tell where to start. That's the value of the recent Metropolitan Planning Council survey asking the region's residents to set priorities.

GRIP survey sets airport, rail retail as top Gary projects

MERRILLVILLE | Three projects for improving Gary and the Calumet Region rose to the top in a survey by the Metropolitan Planning Council that is being released today.

Public's input being sought for Gary and region investments

GARY | The Gary and Region Investment Project is seeking public opinion on projects planned for Gary and surrounding areas.

Development survey going out to region

GARY | The Metropolitan Planning Committee and The Times are urging people to vote on the projects they think will do the most to transform the urban cores of Gary and Northwest Indiana.

WILLIAM NANGLE: Grasp this opportunity to help steer GRIP effort

What do you think? That's the question being asked of Northwest Indiana residents.

Development survey going out to region

The Metropolitan Planning Council and The Times are urging people to go online or to today's Forum section to vote on the projects they think will do the most to transform the urban cores of Gary and Northwest Indiana.

SURVEY: Offer advice on Gary and Region Investment Project

Your input on how to revitalize Gary and Northwest Indiana is vital. Among the many investments planned for Gary and Northwest Indiana, which are most important to you, and what factors should we as a region use to select them?