A Town Revitalized?

Can one of America's most unorthodox mayors revitalize a town on the verge of collapse?

It appears that your computer does not have the Flash Player required to view NOW videos. Visit Adobe to download and install the latest version of the Flash Player.

The national economic disaster hit the city of Braddock Pennsylvania like a wrecking ball. But Braddock Mayor John Fetterman—dubbed "America's Coolest Mayor" by The New York Times—is taking very unconventional approaches to reinventing the town and re-inspiring its residents. Home to the nation's first A&P supermarket and Andrew Carnegie's first steel mill, Braddock is being revitalized with new youth and art programs, renovations of abandoned real estate, and bold plans to attract artists and green industries.

This week, NOW sits down with Mayor Fetterman to learn how the 6'8" 370-pound political novice is trying to turn his town around, and if other devastated communities can and should follow his large footsteps.

Related Links

The town of Braddock's website

The New York Times: Braddock Journal—Rock Bottom for Decades, but Showing Signs of Life

The Pittsburgh Channel: UPMC Braddock Hospital Closure Stuns Struggling Community

The Pittsburgh Channel Green collar jobs in Braddock

PROGRAM RESOURCES

Audio: Stream | Download
Podcast
Buy a DVD
Contact Us

RELATED REPORTS

Topics search results will display here.