I have heard all the "used to be" statements ever since we moved here. I am proud to say my city has been bringing itself back - not to what it was because that will never be, but reinventing itself thanks to the efforts of the community - the people themselves. Grant writing and judicious leveraging of funds helps a lot. Bequests to several organizations in town (none got more than $350k) did not hurt, but so far most of what has been spent on the City was on beautification and helping various groups by one group of recipients. The City had to give theirs over to the museum. Volunteers with pride have involved others who have involved others - and we are bringing the kids into it also so they can replace us old guys.
If it rakes Levi Straus to revitalize Braddock - more power to both of them. Whatever it takes to stand up and fix things themselves is good.