Masslive.com - Boston-based think tank creates new institute to revitalize struggling mid-size cities like Springfield, Holyoke and Lowell

Boston-based think tank MassINC on Wednesday launched a new center dedicated to revitalizing former manufacturing centers such as Springfield and Lowell, cities struggling to woo new business as they grapple with chronic issues of crime, poverty and unemployment.

The so-called Gateway Cities Innovation Institute is designed to help Springfield and other mid-size cities that shoulder a "disproportionate share of the state's social and economic challenges" tap into their "enormous potential," MassINC officials said in a news release.