[Click here to download the presentation slides (PDF)]
Across the country, small towns are rediscovering and reclaiming their main streets and downtowns by pursuing innovative community and economic development projects. Once abandoned sidewalks, storefronts, and plazas are now bustling with activity as residents find their way back downtown, once again making these spaces the social, civic, and economic centers of their communities.
On February 5, 2014, the NADO Research Foundation hosted a webinar highlighting three small towns (Greenville, KY; Claremont, NH; and Millen, GA) that are investing in their downtowns through streetscape improvements, historic preservation, brownfields remediation, and tourism initiatives. The webinar showcased how strong local and regional leadership, dedicated volunteers, and a mix of local, state, and federal funding can come together to transform downtowns and main streets, improving both quality-of-life and economic opportunities for residents.
Presenters:
Jason Vincent, Executive Director, Pennyrile Area Development District
Nancy Merrill, Director, Planning and Development, City of Claremont, NH
Mike McCrory, Senior Planner, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission
Linda Grijalva, Director of Community Development, Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission
Moderator:
Brett Schwartz, Program Manager, NADO Research Foundation
Click here to download the presentation slides (PDF)
Click here to read NADO’s “Vibrant Rural Communities” case studies series, which highlights nine small town and rural communities that have embraced a variety of innovative economic development strategies.
Contact Brett Schwartz, NADO Research Foundation Program Manager, with any questions at bschwartz@nado.org
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This webinar was organized through support from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
