This paper examines the structural shifts of economic development planning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Birmingham, Alabama following the rapid decline of steel production in the United States over the latter half of the twentieth century. The paper is a historical analysis of the steel industry’s former presence and economic dominance in both Pittsburgh and Birmingham and examines the factors that led to the success of the former industry in both cities. Additionally, the paper provides commentary on the forces that led to both city’s need to restructure their economy following the collapse of United States steel production. Finally, the paper provides commentary on the lasting institutions facilitated by steel production’s presence in both cities and the current industries that now dominate both cities’ economies following the loss of a significant portion of their former steel industry.