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| One City’s Road to Recovery Offers Lessons, and Hope | One City’s Road to Recovery Offers Lessons, and Hope |
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| LAWRENCE, Mass. — It’s got to be hard to fall farther than Lawrence. | LAWRENCE, Mass. — It’s got to be hard to fall farther than Lawrence. |
| This old textile-mill town, 30 miles north of Boston on the Merrimack River, was once a standard-bearer for America’s industrial power. That was a long time ago. Over the last decade, the state took over its schools after math and English scores plummeted to the bottom 1 percent of Massachusetts rankings and the dropout rate soared to three times the state average. | This old textile-mill town, 30 miles north of Boston on the Merrimack River, was once a standard-bearer for America’s industrial power. That was a long time ago. Over the last decade, the state took over its schools after math and English scores plummeted to the bottom 1 percent of Massachusetts rankings and the dropout rate soared to three times the state average. |
| A textile hub in the early 20th century, Lawrence became one of the poorest cities in Massachusetts in the early years of the 21st. It was overcome by heroin and crime. City Hall was tarnished by corruption scandals. In 2012, Boston Magazine bestowed an unwelcome title: “City of the Damned.” | A textile hub in the early 20th century, Lawrence became one of the poorest cities in Massachusetts in the early years of the 21st. It was overcome by heroin and crime. City Hall was tarnished by corruption scandals. In 2012, Boston Magazine bestowed an unwelcome title: “City of the Damned.” |
| Now the coronavirus pandemic has cast an additional pall over Lawrence, as it has on the rest of the economy. But for the many small cities that have long been left behind, struggling to find a place in the new economy, Lawrence offers a glimmer of hope that they may have a shot at recovery. | Now the coronavirus pandemic has cast an additional pall over Lawrence, as it has on the rest of the economy. But for the many small cities that have long been left behind, struggling to find a place in the new economy, Lawrence offers a glimmer of hope that they may have a shot at recovery. |
| While there are empty storefronts and boarded windows downtown, the estimated value of the typical Lawrence home increased $100,000 over the last five years, to nearly $280,000, according to Zillow. The high school dropout rate, nearly 30 percent a decade ago, is now under 12 percent. And the income of the typical Lawrence family, which five years ago had tumbled to just over 55 percent of the median family income in the United States, inched back to 61 percent. | While there are empty storefronts and boarded windows downtown, the estimated value of the typical Lawrence home increased $100,000 over the last five years, to nearly $280,000, according to Zillow. The high school dropout rate, nearly 30 percent a decade ago, is now under 12 percent. And the income of the typical Lawrence family, which five years ago had tumbled to just over 55 percent of the median family income in the United States, inched back to 61 percent. |
| Incomplete and tentative, Lawrence’s progress suggests that concerted efforts to reinvigorate depressed local economies — long considered a waste of time by most economists — might offer some promise. | Incomplete and tentative, Lawrence’s progress suggests that concerted efforts to reinvigorate depressed local economies — long considered a waste of time by most economists — might offer some promise. |
| “Even if all of those places can’t make it to the level of Los Angeles, research shows that they can do a lot better than they are doing and make it a lot of the way back,” said Tamar Kotelchuck, an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, who leads what the bank calls the Working Cities Initiative to assist communities in their reinvention. | “Even if all of those places can’t make it to the level of Los Angeles, research shows that they can do a lot better than they are doing and make it a lot of the way back,” said Tamar Kotelchuck, an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, who leads what the bank calls the Working Cities Initiative to assist communities in their reinvention. |
| Urban revitalization is not the Fed’s normal line of business. But over a decade ago, as the financial crisis set off by the implosion of the housing market roiled the nation, it decided that the stagnation of so many cities in its region merited attention. In 2013, it issued a challenge: It would offer grants — funded by private firms, philanthropies and state governments — to poor, smaller Massachusetts cities with promising revitalization proposals. | Urban revitalization is not the Fed’s normal line of business. But over a decade ago, as the financial crisis set off by the implosion of the housing market roiled the nation, it decided that the stagnation of so many cities in its region merited attention. In 2013, it issued a challenge: It would offer grants — funded by private firms, philanthropies and state governments — to poor, smaller Massachusetts cities with promising revitalization proposals. |
| In 2014, the Lawrence Working Families Initiative, which connects parents of schoolchildren with employers, was one of four multiyear grant winners, receiving a $700,000 grant over three years. All four cities have improved. | In 2014, the Lawrence Working Families Initiative, which connects parents of schoolchildren with employers, was one of four multiyear grant winners, receiving a $700,000 grant over three years. All four cities have improved. |
| “They changed from a trajectory in which everybody was plummeting,” said Prabal Chakrabarti, a senior vice president at the Boston Fed in charge of regional and community outreach. “That’s a really big achievement.” | “They changed from a trajectory in which everybody was plummeting,” said Prabal Chakrabarti, a senior vice president at the Boston Fed in charge of regional and community outreach. “That’s a really big achievement.” |
| It’s not clear whether Lawrence’s upturn owed anything to this grant. In fact, there is no consensus among economists about how to revitalize places in a way that benefits their people. Public officials often provide millions of taxpayer dollars in tax incentives to draw businesses into their jurisdiction, with little discernible impact on local welfare. | It’s not clear whether Lawrence’s upturn owed anything to this grant. In fact, there is no consensus among economists about how to revitalize places in a way that benefits their people. Public officials often provide millions of taxpayer dollars in tax incentives to draw businesses into their jurisdiction, with little discernible impact on local welfare. |
| Lawrence tried and failed to lure Emerson College from Boston, said Jessica Andors, who runs the nonprofit Lawrence Community Works. But it succeeded in drawing some trash incinerators to town. It built a mall and parking lots, in the name of modernity and suburbanization, razing many of the handsome old buildings of its heyday. None of this stopped its fall. | Lawrence tried and failed to lure Emerson College from Boston, said Jessica Andors, who runs the nonprofit Lawrence Community Works. But it succeeded in drawing some trash incinerators to town. It built a mall and parking lots, in the name of modernity and suburbanization, razing many of the handsome old buildings of its heyday. None of this stopped its fall. |
| The proposal funded by the Working Cities grant was comparatively small bore: to offer assistance like job placement and help with financial planning to the parents of needy children in the city’s public schools. Lawrence’s population is predominantly Latino — mostly Dominican immigrants, but also Puerto Ricans and Guatemalans. So English lessons were a critical part of the plan. | The proposal funded by the Working Cities grant was comparatively small bore: to offer assistance like job placement and help with financial planning to the parents of needy children in the city’s public schools. Lawrence’s population is predominantly Latino — mostly Dominican immigrants, but also Puerto Ricans and Guatemalans. So English lessons were a critical part of the plan. |
| The direct results of this effort are modest, too. Ms. Andors, whose group helped pitch the project, noted that 269 parents had gone through English programs and that 311 had been placed in jobs, mostly making $13 to $14 an hour at cafeterias, manufacturers, nursing homes and the like. The program has also trained 131 parents as certified nursing assistants, child care professionals and teaching assistants. | The direct results of this effort are modest, too. Ms. Andors, whose group helped pitch the project, noted that 269 parents had gone through English programs and that 311 had been placed in jobs, mostly making $13 to $14 an hour at cafeterias, manufacturers, nursing homes and the like. The program has also trained 131 parents as certified nursing assistants, child care professionals and teaching assistants. |
| From the Boston Fed’s perspective, though, this modest approach, focused on building on the assets in Lawrence, is exactly the right path: Local public, private and nonprofit entities diagnose the city’s needs and pull together toward a common goal. The goal itself is almost of secondary importance. | From the Boston Fed’s perspective, though, this modest approach, focused on building on the assets in Lawrence, is exactly the right path: Local public, private and nonprofit entities diagnose the city’s needs and pull together toward a common goal. The goal itself is almost of secondary importance. |
| “Collaborative leadership, getting along, working together, was the secret sauce,” said Lane Glenn, the president of Northern Essex Community College, which has a campus in Lawrence and was involved in the challenge. “A city like Lawrence could have dozens, even hundreds of goals, but we needed to get clear about a small number of critical goals.” | “Collaborative leadership, getting along, working together, was the secret sauce,” said Lane Glenn, the president of Northern Essex Community College, which has a campus in Lawrence and was involved in the challenge. “A city like Lawrence could have dozens, even hundreds of goals, but we needed to get clear about a small number of critical goals.” |
| A board meeting of the Lawrence Partnership, in a conference room at Lawrence General Hospital, offered a taste of this collaboration. Partly in response to the Boston Fed’s challenge, the partnership was created as the locus where leaders from business, government and nonprofits could work on common causes, like encouraging local businesses. | A board meeting of the Lawrence Partnership, in a conference room at Lawrence General Hospital, offered a taste of this collaboration. Partly in response to the Boston Fed’s challenge, the partnership was created as the locus where leaders from business, government and nonprofits could work on common causes, like encouraging local businesses. |
| It has rallied a group of banks to commit $2.5 million for a loan fund for small businesses. It raised money for an internship program for high school students, placing many of them among its corporate members. Together with the community college and a local real estate developer, it is underwriting a test kitchen where entrepreneurial cooks can have a shot at creating a business. | It has rallied a group of banks to commit $2.5 million for a loan fund for small businesses. It raised money for an internship program for high school students, placing many of them among its corporate members. Together with the community college and a local real estate developer, it is underwriting a test kitchen where entrepreneurial cooks can have a shot at creating a business. |
| Last year, the partnership supported an initiative to help employers draw on the local immigrant work force, which includes many who don’t speak English. “We identify local manufacturing employers who need people but are not operating bilingually now,” Ms. Andors said. | Last year, the partnership supported an initiative to help employers draw on the local immigrant work force, which includes many who don’t speak English. “We identify local manufacturing employers who need people but are not operating bilingually now,” Ms. Andors said. |
| Marko Duffy, a supplier of electroplating chemicals, is one of the operation’s assets on the ground. A few months ago, he started visiting local companies, offering bilingual training sessions to their workers on topics ranging from modern nickel plating techniques to how to become a supervisor and advance up the corporate ladder. He offers employers help with how to label equipment on the production line in both English and Spanish, as well as to translate company manuals. | Marko Duffy, a supplier of electroplating chemicals, is one of the operation’s assets on the ground. A few months ago, he started visiting local companies, offering bilingual training sessions to their workers on topics ranging from modern nickel plating techniques to how to become a supervisor and advance up the corporate ladder. He offers employers help with how to label equipment on the production line in both English and Spanish, as well as to translate company manuals. |
| “I deal with lots of manufacturers in the region and always hear the same thing,” Mr. Duffy said. “How do we replace our aging work force? Where do we get good people?” Many in Lawrence’s immigrant community have skills needed in manufacturing processes but can’t get over the language barrier. | “I deal with lots of manufacturers in the region and always hear the same thing,” Mr. Duffy said. “How do we replace our aging work force? Where do we get good people?” Many in Lawrence’s immigrant community have skills needed in manufacturing processes but can’t get over the language barrier. |
| The Boston Fed’s challenge has helped mint some solid successes, like 99 Degrees Custom, now the city’s only textile company. Founded by Brenna Nan Schneider in 2013 in the hulk of an old mill, it produces activewear for several brands and is expanding into wearable technology — clothes bedecked with sensors and gadgets. | The Boston Fed’s challenge has helped mint some solid successes, like 99 Degrees Custom, now the city’s only textile company. Founded by Brenna Nan Schneider in 2013 in the hulk of an old mill, it produces activewear for several brands and is expanding into wearable technology — clothes bedecked with sensors and gadgets. |
| Ms. Schneider employs 140 workers, mostly immigrants from the Dominican Republic, with a goal of 200 by the end of the year. She is working on high-tech projects commissioned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the military. But getting out of the gate required help. The Lawrence Partnership provided a $100,000 loan. The Working Families Initiative helped her tap into the local work force. | Ms. Schneider employs 140 workers, mostly immigrants from the Dominican Republic, with a goal of 200 by the end of the year. She is working on high-tech projects commissioned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the military. But getting out of the gate required help. The Lawrence Partnership provided a $100,000 loan. The Working Families Initiative helped her tap into the local work force. |
| The Boston Fed would love to see more businesses like hers take root around the region. In total, it has awarded 17 multiyear grants to cities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It is looking at broadening the challenge to include rural areas. What’s more, its model is catching. The Dallas Fed and the Richmond Fed are considering similar initiatives. | The Boston Fed would love to see more businesses like hers take root around the region. In total, it has awarded 17 multiyear grants to cities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It is looking at broadening the challenge to include rural areas. What’s more, its model is catching. The Dallas Fed and the Richmond Fed are considering similar initiatives. |
| But even before the coronavirus outbreak upended life everywhere, Lawrence had tough challenges. Its families are still substantially poorer than the national average. Only about 11 percent of adults have a college degree. Lots of the better-paid jobs in Lawrence are taken by out-of-towners, while many residents work in low-wage jobs elsewhere. | But even before the coronavirus outbreak upended life everywhere, Lawrence had tough challenges. Its families are still substantially poorer than the national average. Only about 11 percent of adults have a college degree. Lots of the better-paid jobs in Lawrence are taken by out-of-towners, while many residents work in low-wage jobs elsewhere. |
| “If we don’t upskill our community now, we may lose a generation of opportunity,” said Abel Vargas, the executive director of the regional work force board. | “If we don’t upskill our community now, we may lose a generation of opportunity,” said Abel Vargas, the executive director of the regional work force board. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| And then there is the immediate danger of the coronavirus. Ms. Schneider despairs for her workers, whom she has reorganized into two skeleton shifts of 60 to keep them farther apart, cutting their shifts by one hour. They eat in temporary cafeterias with a capacity of 15, spread out, facing away from one another. | And then there is the immediate danger of the coronavirus. Ms. Schneider despairs for her workers, whom she has reorganized into two skeleton shifts of 60 to keep them farther apart, cutting their shifts by one hour. They eat in temporary cafeterias with a capacity of 15, spread out, facing away from one another. |
| “How do we run a manufacturing business that cannot predict when it will be open or closed or who will show up to work?” Ms. Schneider asked. “How does a manufacturing company withstand the risk of a prolonged and ongoing disruption?” | “How do we run a manufacturing business that cannot predict when it will be open or closed or who will show up to work?” Ms. Schneider asked. “How does a manufacturing company withstand the risk of a prolonged and ongoing disruption?” |
| If the town overcomes this crisis, it is still unclear what could allow Lawrence to prosper in the long run, pulling dollars from the outside. Health care? There are a few hospitals in town, and several education institutions offering training in health-related occupations. More light manufacturing? An Amazon warehouse is expected to open this year or next in nearby North Andover, employing 1,500. | If the town overcomes this crisis, it is still unclear what could allow Lawrence to prosper in the long run, pulling dollars from the outside. Health care? There are a few hospitals in town, and several education institutions offering training in health-related occupations. More light manufacturing? An Amazon warehouse is expected to open this year or next in nearby North Andover, employing 1,500. |
| One prospect that worries many residents is that the city’s future will be determined by gentrification — affluent young Bostonians fleeing high rents to settle in the new condos being carved out of some of the old mills — pushing up housing costs. | One prospect that worries many residents is that the city’s future will be determined by gentrification — affluent young Bostonians fleeing high rents to settle in the new condos being carved out of some of the old mills — pushing up housing costs. |
| Derek Mitchell, who runs the Lawrence Partnership, said families in Lawrence faced the steepest housing burden of any city in the state. But to find cheaper rents they would have to move a long way north or west, “taking them even further away from the economic opportunities of the region.” | Derek Mitchell, who runs the Lawrence Partnership, said families in Lawrence faced the steepest housing burden of any city in the state. But to find cheaper rents they would have to move a long way north or west, “taking them even further away from the economic opportunities of the region.” |
| And this underscores how difficult it can be to improve the lot of a city and its people. As Mr. Glenn of the community college put it, “We must ensure the city doesn’t succeed just for those who can afford it.” | And this underscores how difficult it can be to improve the lot of a city and its people. As Mr. Glenn of the community college put it, “We must ensure the city doesn’t succeed just for those who can afford it.” |