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Writer of Forbes ‘dying cities’ article to face his critics

Symposium and arts festival in Dayton this weekend was inspired by disappointment, anger in Dayton’s inclusion in story’s listing.

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 9:29 AM Tuesday, August 4, 2009

DAYTON — The writer of the Forbes.com article who designated 10 Rust Belt cities as the fastest dying municipalities in America will be in Dayton on Saturday, Aug. 8, to address folks from those communities.

Joshua Zumbrun, a Washington correspondent for Forbes, said he has written many stories based on statistical data, but none has gleaned the level of response of “American’s Fastest Dying Cities” published Aug. 5, 2008.

“I didn’t realize how much a fire it would light,” Zumbrun said.

The article designated Dayton; Canton; Cleveland; Youngstown; Buffalo, N.Y.; Charleston, W.Va.; Detroit; Flint, Mich.; Scranton Pa.; and Springfield, Mass., as the fastest dying cities in America.

The cities landed on the list because of such common challenges as declining population, unemployment and low economic growth.

“It was never my intention to kick people while they were down,” said Zumbrun, noting that he hails from Fort Wayne, Ind., and that he has visited nine of the 10 cities on the list.

“I want to emphasize that there is good and bad in any economy, job gains, job losses,” he said.

Reaction to the article in Dayton began with anger and disappointment, then grew into a grassroots movement to challenge it.

Representatives from at least seven of the cities will meet at the Dayton Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, for the Forbes.com 10 Fastest Dying Cities Symposium and Arts Festival.

The event brings together mayors, city planners and community activists to exchange information about innovative approaches to common problems.

About 160 participants have registered to attend the free event, which includes an arts component with music, a poetry slam and photo contest.

“I’m glad this turned into something positive,” Zumbrun said.

To register or volunteer for the symposium, visit  tenlivingcities.org.

How to go

What: Forbes.com Ten Fastest Dying Cities Symposium and Arts Festival

When: Friday, Aug. 7, hotel check-in and the monthly First Friday event featuring art and music; Saturday, Aug. 8, symposium, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 9, continental breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark

Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.

Cost: Free. Participants are asked to preregister

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