The Potential for Economic Development in Rural Communities in the Northeast

Recently released reports of the 1980 Census of Population has again focused attention on the relatively poor economic performance of the Northeast region. This paper suggests that the labor costs and market conditions that have alleqedly been responsible for the movement of traditional manufacturing out of the Northeast may be changing. Thus, this movement will not be a "drag" on the future economic development of the Northeast. The potential "turnaround" in the Northeast is suggested by the recent economic performance in New England and by Pittsburgh's ability to attract firms in rapidly growing manufacturing sectors.