Decatur still wears the scars of its economic decline, as a glance around the city reveals vacant and dilapidated buildings that bring back memories of better times. Like many cities with an economy dominated by manufacturing, Decatur has seen a mass loss of jobs and population since the 1970s. From a population of nearly 100,000 in 1980, the city now holds just over 72,000 and residents continue to leave. While city leaders have made adjustments to curb the tide, the damage remains visible.
