Making the community stronger through 'placemaking'

submitted by Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation

What is "placemaking?" Placemaking can be confusing and a little bit intimidating for most. Placemaking as an economic development strategy, also called place-based economic development, is the practice of using a community's public amenities to make economic progress. This approach focuses on the unique features of particular places, building on existing assets, and using them to attract new investment and strengthen existing businesses. To define what placemaking looks like in one's own town, individuals must identify talents and resources in their community. Starting out small could be the answer to creating an inviting space in town.

One small example of placemaking would be to host a chalk festival. This "festival" uses what you already have in your town: sidewalks and streets! The festival engages people of all ages in the community. You can seek out your talented artists in your town by advertising ahead of time via newspaper, Facebook, and flyers. Local business owners could sponsor an artist to chalk paint the sidewalk in front of their business. You can also have your talented artists at the festival to help people come up with ideas of what to draw and tips on drawing as well. Also, giving a reward for best picture would be an incentive to get people to come out and connect with their community. It's a great way to see what kind of artistic talent you have right in your own town. This would be a safe and inviting activity for the community. It brings life, color and variety to the downtown and creates a sense that this community has fun and exciting things happening.

Other small steps to creating an inviting town or downtown district can be developing places that invite you to sit in your downtown area, hosting a community event, starting a community garden in your area, having a sidewalk café downtown, or, as simple as, painting your crosswalks. The creative ideas your community comes up with will strengthen the connection between people and places they share. It is the practice of creating or enhancing a community's assets to improve its overall attractiveness and livability. In turn, creating an inviting place to share so you can connect with others.

Placemaking is about creating a place where people want to come to live, work, play, and learn. Communities are awakening to the importance of 'place' in economic development. They are planning for a future that recognizes the critical importance of quality of life to attracting talent, entrepreneurship, and encouraging local businesses. Competing for success in a global marketplace means creating places where workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses want to locate, invest, and expand. A community without place amenities will have a difficult time attracting and retaining talented workers and entrepreneurs, or being attractive to business.