What is the Rust Belt?
The Rust Belt refers to the declining industrial belt of the United States, from the Northeast to the Midwest: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois. Hit by deindustrialization since the 1970s, the region is in full transformation in 2026, driven by federal investments (CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act) and Opportunity Zones.
How does Canton Ohio revitalize its downtown?
Canton has become the Rust Belt revitalization model. Local developer Steve Coon restored 42 historic downtown buildings using federal historic tax credits (20%) plus Ohio state historic credits (25%), stacking 45% in combined credits. Downtown went from abandoned district to mixed-use destination in under 10 years.
What tools do Rust Belt cities use?
A combination of federal and local tools: historic tax credits (20% federal + 25% state), Opportunity Zones, RAISE grants from the Department of Transportation ($20M for Allentown), and Main Street program support. COLHYBRI adds the digital layer to measure impact in real time.