How Is New Bedford Viewed By Outsiders And Does It Matter?

It is said that perception is reality and to a large extent that is true. If people perceive New Bedford to be a dangerous place for example, they won't come here.

Perception, or the public opinion about what a city is like can be an important factor in determining whether that city will  thrive or fail. When people from the outside think of New Bedford they often have a perception of a dangerous place.  Crime statistics actually prove that perception to be false but a good dose of bad news coverage can go along way in perpetrating those images. New Bedford is often referred to by the Boston media for example as a "gritty city" but most of those who live here would disagree. Most would also say they feel safe most of the time.

When a business is considering locating here there are several factors to consider. What are the schools like? What is the crime rate? Does the city have a solid workforce?  Is there a good transportation system?  When families are considering a new place to live, they ponder many of the same questions. Well, despite the perception of some the crime rate is down according to the FBI. We have boats, planes, automobiles, freight trains and a highway system.  Our workforce is as solid as any.  The school system has faced some challenging times but shows real progress in getting it together.

New Bedford needs new businesses and new families if it is to continue on it's long journey to become a renaissance city. The trend is for the repopulation of urban centers. That means young people moving to the cities to start families and empty nesters seeking market rate rental housing away from the suburbs. Many of these folks are looking for entrepreneurial opportunities. They want fewer government regulations, less government interference and more government cooperation both on the state and federal level in order to make it.

A growing city needs champions to tell the story of it's renaissance. The best ambassadors a city can have is it's citizens. Most of us have grown up here like our parents did before us  and have skin in the game. To properly brand our city and market it for the future we need to do the things that work.  Pick up trash. Keep your property clean. When you see something report it.  Make sure your kids attend school and help them to do well.  Attend community events and participate in ways that make your city a better place. Get involved.  Make a difference and teach your kids to make a difference too. Be proud of your city and help others to have pride. Find the positive.

The late Providence Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci once told me, "Moving rivers is easy, it's getting the people excited, that's hard but once they are, you can do anything."

Let's get excited. Let's not leave the next chapter of our great city for someone else to write.