Urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs famously said: “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. Many cities have used creative placemaking to breathe new life in neighborhoods.
When executed well, placemaking allows communities to see how their insight and knowledge fits into the broader process of making change; it allows them to become proactive versus reactive, and positive versus negative. Simply put, placemaking allows regular people to make extraordinary improvements, both big and small, in their communities
Effective placemaking can bring people together, create a more equitable society, and foster economic development. And yet the process for creating and keeping a sense of place remains a challenge for most urban centers, including Youngstown. Why? How can we create places that are equitable and reflect our diverse community? And how can residents take action in their own neighborhoods?
Join us for a panel discussion on why place matters.