The importance of quality of life in economic development has been growing in recent decades. According to a recent post by The Brookings Institution, Whitewater, Wisconsin is “well positioned for new growth.” Authors John C. Austin, Amanda Weinstein, Michael Hicks, and Emily Wornell tell the story of today’s reality of two Midwests in the "Improving quality of life—not just business—is the best path to Midwestern rejuvenation" blog post.