The project builds upon the strength of immigrant communities to formulate programs aimed at increasing the growth of the city. Immigration into the United States is a contested topic right now, but we know immigration patterns are different across the country. In Poughkeepsie, the largest current immigrant group comes from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Along with other cultures, have brought with them traditions and knowledge that can be leveraged toward cultural exchange and economic growth. The presence of Oaxacans, among others, has stabilized population in the City and has been revitalizing Main Street over two decades ago, when entrepreneurial immigrants started opening new businesses, where they mainly offer traditional cuisines. Main Street has slowly emerged from a low point in the mid 90’s when almost 75% of store fronts where vacant, but the process of expansion and starting new businesses can take several immigrant generations. In order to maintain and increase this economic stabilization, it will be necessary to help immigrants get out of the shadow and over all the barriers they face by creating a supporting network for business and other for basic services so that both networks develop each other.
To read more about this project, click here.
