This dissertation examines the rise of manufacturing employment in the United States since 2010 and explores its implications for low-skilled and minority workers, urban neighborhoods, and regional economic policy. Once dismissed as a declining sector, manufacturing has seen notable growth among low-skill and minority workers. Through three essays, this dissertation investigates the dynamics of that growth and its broader significance for equitable economic development. The first essay analyzes national trends from 2010 to 2022 within manufacturing using data from the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It identifies key subsectors driving manufacturing's resurgence while also detailing how this growth has disproportionately benefited low-skilled, Black, Hispanic, and Asian workers in terms of both employment numbers and wage gains. It finds that advanced manufacturing, contra to expectations, saw growth for low-skilled workers but very little for high-skilled. Finally, this research shows that manufacturing grew across many regions, regardless of initial manufacturing strength. The second essay focuses on low-income neighborhoods within the urban ring of the Atlanta region with the goal to determine whether increases in local manufacturing employment positively affects employment outcomes. Using a time-series panel dataset, the essay finds that compared to other sectors such as retail, healthcare, and food service, manufacturing did show greater positive effects for these communities, highlighting its potential as a vehicle for inclusive economic development. The third essay shifts focus to evaluate recently launched Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), a federal program by the Economic Development Agency that awarded funding to 21 regional coalitions to build out industrial clusters for equitable development. Through examining the different proposals along with the program charter, this essay examines how this place-based program varied in its geographic focus and manufacturing industry showing the flexibility and scope in attempting to achieve equitable development. Altogether, these essays argue that manufacturing is not only experiencing a meaningful revival but can also serve as a key component for inclusive growth. As policymakers continue to look for ways to revitalize marginalized communities, this research suggests that manufacturing offers potential avenue for equitable development.