economic development
Successful economic development involves the arts
The top conclusion of the survey was that rural people were twice as likely to say they were optimistic about their communities’ future as negative. Times they are a’changin. The old ways are no longer working, and new ways are being explored. People are realizing a community is made up of many people, and they…
Read MoreThe Idea Friendly Method works
I read an article today about a small town in Montana putting a mural on the side of an empty building. I commented that it was a great idea and I was happy to see it. Tori Wyman responded with: We clung to your advice from the Idea Friendly Method! The Idea Friendly Method works,…
Read MoreA visit to a tile factory in Portugal
Federico, a friend from Lisbon, picked me up from the hotel. Our intention for the day was to visit small towns in the Portugal countryside. Lisbon is a major metropolis and driving is just like driving in Chicago. It helps to know where you are going. As we drove the buildings got smaller, and the…
Read MoreUse the assets you have in your small town
People in small towns often say “there’s nothing to do here.” I beg to differ. You will be surprised by the list of assets you can come up with. Caring people, good schools, local artists are a few assets your town might have. What are other assets? natural resources – like scenic landscapes, waterfalls, rivers…
Read MoreDoes Placemaking Matter?
Dr Andrew Van Leuven presented The Economics of Downtown Revitalization: Putting Some “Oomph” Behind the Numbers for the University of Wisconsin Extension Lunch and Learn Program. I watched the recording and the slide show too. Dr. Van Leuven is the Assistant Professor of Community and Rural Development at Oklahoma State University in the Department of…
Read MoreThey put a restaurant in a roofless building
I created the Tour of Empty Buildings ten years ago, in 2013. There have been many towns that ran with the idea and host tours too. Natchez, MS, Danville, KY, Jefferson, IA, Oglesby,Il are just a few of them. The Texas Historical Commission has been hosting Imagine The Possibilities Tour in small towns state wide…
Read MoreFishbone Alley Gulfport Mississippi
Hurricane Katrina damaged downtown Gulfport, Mississippi in 2005. During restoration they found brick pavers under the asphalt. These were used in 1908 to build their streets. In 2016 those pavers were used in an economic development project called Fishbone Alley. Local artists have created a visual delight as you walk down the alley. This is…
Read MoreArt and empty buildings
SaveYour.Town received an email with a story about art and an empty building we want to share today. Deb Land, the Mural Coordinator for Sayre Revitalization in Athens, PA sent this. You have all been so helpful to our small town of Sayre, PA. I read your newsletter faithfully! We have had two successful Pop Up…
Read MoreSteal these ideas
I went on vacation at Navarre Beach in Florida this year. We found some pretty cool ideas that any small town could steal. My great nephew Steve and his friend Eddie were along for the trip. They were excited to sit in this oversized chair and have their picture taken. Who do you know in…
Read MorePlant some trees
You’d think planting trees in your small town would be a huge deal and take a ton of time, wouldn’t you? Chad from Lake Francis Case Economic Development in Chamberlain, South Dakota didn’t know that. He found a grant for $2,500 to be used for planting trees. It required a 50/50 match. Chad simply asked…
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