ABSTRACT
The resulting Innovation-based Economic Development Strategy for Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley outlines actionable strategies to attract private investment and regional assets to the city and region. Today, economic diversification in cities like Holyoke is a sought-after norm. Many original migrants were forced out of Puerto Rico by the disastrous economic effects of Operation Bootstrap. Obstacles to economic achievement for Latinos result from discrimination, insufficient political representation, and a lack of proficiency in English, due in large measure to an insufficient number of English as a Second Language (ESOL) programs. By the 1990s there was a significant buzz in New England about the role of the arts and culture in the regional economy and numerous statewide think tanks convened to explore best practices. ArtsWalk was sustained for three years with limited funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Councils Economic Development Program.
