In the mid-twentieth century, most cities in the Great Lakes basin were oriented around some form of heavy manufacturing. Forty to fifty percent of the labour force in major cities was involved in manufacturing. Urban form, development, growth patterns, and social conflict were often related to, if not centered on, the manufacturing economy. Since then, all major cities have experienced at least some turn away from heavy centralized manufacturing. This shift has altered the form, social structure, and labor forces of cities throughout the region (and others like it in the Global North). This seminar is devoted to better understanding the post-industrial city. We focus on the post-industrial thumbprint of four areas: 1) socio-spatial polarization; 2) ethno-racial conflict; 3) land use challenges; and 4) socially equitable economic development.