cluster synthesis

Two precedents out of thousands have been noted: Dalton, Ga and Grimsby, UK.  Both have economic success and provide live-work communities, but they each have unique backgrounds. 

Dalton became the ‘carpet capital’ organically.  The current economic cluster form as it exists today began with an accretion of successful ventures that multiplied virtually exponentially.  No doubt, infrastructure has grown as a result of industry versus industrial growth as a result of infrastructure.  Geographically speaking, there is no reason why Dalton, Ga enjoys the success of the carpet industry.  It is not a port city, it is not a thriving metropolis with a limitless workforce, nor does it have a raw material base close at hand.  What it does have is State sponsored support in the form of infrastructure, educational training, and tax incentives that make it attractive and competitive within its market.

Grimsby, on the other hand, is a geographically important city that grew industrially based on its access to raw materials(fishing) and its processing of those materials.  The live-work community as it exists today thrives on the fact that it is a port city, has a large population resulting in a large workforce, and has a raw material base close at hand.  It is important to note the decline of industry within the city and the city’s efforts to reinvest itself by means of commercial ventures, tourism, and education enhancement opportunity(the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education).

I believe that when thinking about the 9th Ward as an economic engine, it falls somewhere between these two precedents.  Comparing it to Dalton,  the hurricane protection and building methods industry is forming a considerable market in the area.  It is a matter of time and incentives before certain companies choose to locate operations here and success is yet to be determined.  Industry can grow by accretion based on the success of pioneers who choose to locate here.  The 9th Ward can also be compared to Grimsby, a location that is strategically located to export processed goods.  Live-work opportunities came as a result of a centralized effort to reinvest in existing business, higher education, infrastructure, and new business.

9th Ward recipe?: 

Infrastructure(existing: rail, port, primary roads)

Housing(proposed: provided by hurricane protection industry, MIR)

Employment(proposed: hurricane protection industry)

Workforce(existing/proposed)

Land(existing)

Technical/Vocational training(proposed: community college / existing: LSU, Tulane, UNO)

Centralized support(existing: LBTC, Federal $ / proposed: State, City)