Erie will never be New York or Boston.

Because of its size, it shouldn’t try to aspire to be Cleveland or Pittsburgh, either.

But because of its size, history, and demographics, it has some truly marketable advantages.

Yesterday, I pointed to PolicyLink’s new report on smaller, industrial cities and promised to dig deeper into the report to explore what its findings mean for Erie.

Today, I’m focusing on a section of the report that speaks to the inherent strengths of smaller cities such as Erie — and what those cities should be doing to market themselves as attractive destinations to potential residents, businesses and tourists.

The authors focus on six niches that smaller cities can fill. They are:

1. A best of both worlds — Offering a combination of urban amenities and small-town charm such as shorter commutes, a lower cost of living, and friendlier neighbors.

2. A return to traditional neighborhoods — Because of their size and history, smaller cities such as Erie can work to make sure their core historic areas and established neighborhoods are attractive destinations to live and work.

3. A sense of place in a homogenized world — You can find a Peach Street in every metro area in the country. But Erie has several characteristics that make it a truly unique place.

4. An identity and a focus for regions — “Smaller industrial cities can position themselves as the hubs of regions that want to collectively and cooperatively market themselves in the global marketplace.”

5. Laboratories for innovation — Smaller cities are more equipped to test new social programs, attempt to solve problems and serve as incubators for innovation, the authors argue.

6. Integration and development of new leaders — Smaller cities should market themselves as gateways to new immigrants, who can raise their children as second-generation Americans who aspire to innovate.

How does Erie score in promoting itself in these areas? Which of these niches make the most sense for Erie?

I’d love to hear your feedback.