Yale has played an integral part in reviving the city of New Haven.  
 
"Yale's outreach activities in recent years have been remarkable. Whether it is to the city neighborhoods through initiatives like the Yale Homebuyer Program or to the state's business community through their technology transfer activities, Yale has been actively engaged in the revitalization of downtown New Haven and the strengthening of the state's economy."
- James Abromaitis, Comissioner of Economic and Community Development, State of Connecticut, 2003

You can see this exciting renaissance as presented by Yale student Shana Schneider in her video tour of New Haven.