New Economic Development Opportunities: Repurposed Prisons

What is happening? 21 states have closed correctional facilities since 2001. California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,  Colorado and Massachusetts  are interested in flipping prisons- imagine the construction and design shows that could come from this.

Why is this important? Beyond the design shows, we’re talking about apartments, a sports complex, a movie studio and more, initiatives that are generating jobs and boosting local economies. Flip a prison to a health care facility for rural healthcare.

How will this be important? There’s an opportunity for federal and state grants. There’s also an opportunity for “reprioritization of resources to fund services and social supports that prevent criminal legal system contact.”

The Sentencing Project | Repurposing Correctional Facilities to Strengthen Communities