Urban Made

Past

Present

Unfortunately, manufacturing is not often enough seen as an urban activity. Today, a great deal of industries have adopted the model of suburban sprawl and moved to single story, clear span warehouses with thirty foot ceilings while former industrial buildings and brownfields in urban areas remain underutilized. With the desire to “go green,” it is a much more environmentally sound option to repurpose these brownfield sites rather than continuing to devour open space. Further, air pollution and other negative consequences of our car culture can be mitigated by reducing the need for lengthy worker commutes.

However, some manufacturers still call cities home. Artisanal food businesses, computer component manufacturers, and furniture and cabinet makers are just a few examples of the many kinds of urban manufacturers. A recent study by the Brookings Institute and Pratt Center for Community Development identified the importance of these manufacturers to our economy.

These urban manufacturers can provide a model for new manufacturers. We hope that business firms will give serious consideration to the benefits of an urban location when selecting a site for their manufacturing operation. Urban manufacturing creates a win-win situation in which inner city neighborhoods receive an economic boost and manufacturing companies have the opportunity to be more sustainable, access an underutilized workforce, and tap into valuable markets for their products.

In business, location is key. It’s not just about the easy access for customers, partners, or suppliers; being an urban manufacturer means having a built in workforce. Many residents of urban areas don’t drive or prefer not to, so they are eager to find good jobs within walking distance or close to public transportation.

There is also a demand for urban made products. Concerns over social justice and product quality have caused a surge in the public’s desire to buy locally produced goods. With the Urban Made logo, manufacturers can show their pride in their community and tap into this market.

View the Urban Made poster

Future

The future of manufacturing in America is bright. In the wake of the Great Recession, there is great potential to return to prosperity as a country that makes things. Though there are challenges to bringing manufacturing back in America, sound public policy and pioneering businesses are leading the way. People are seeking a better way of life, and this often means walkable and livable neighborhoods where they have easy access to shopping, entertainment, recreation, and jobs. This type of environment can be found in cities, and urban manufacturers are a major way to provide jobs in such places. With a strong urban manufacturing economy, Americans can find homes in more livable neighborhoods and commute less. Urban manufacturers will reduce costs by locating near their suppliers, customers, and workers, the negative environmental impacts of industry will be lessened, and inner city neighborhoods will reap the benefits of economic development. Urban manufacturing is a path to healthier, happier neighborhoods and a strong and prosperous economy.