In 2016, Smart Growth America, with EDA support, worked with four communities—Knoxville, TN, Lowell, MA, Youngstown, OH, and Twin Falls, ID—as they sought to intentionally build their maker economies. Encouraging more small-scale manufacturing on main street or in other close-in, walkable neighborhoods can foster entrepreneurs and homegrown industries. These businesses bring vitality to main streets and neighborhood centers, creating a foothold for future growth.
“At a time when local economic development has become heavily dependent upon place-making, small-scale manufacturing has emerged as a way to tie opportunity to place. For many communities, especially those with legacy buildings from an earlier manufacturing age, it can fill a key missing piece for local economic revitalization,” said Christopher Zimmerman, Vice President for Economic Development at Smart Growth America.
“Every person deserves to live in a place that is loved—its businesses thriving, its real estate valued, and its people proud. These projects are an exciting opportunity for the selected communities to put small-scale manufacturing front and center to achieve these outcomes,” said Ilana Preuss, Founder & CEO, Recast City.
Sixty-four organizations and communities in 32 different states with diverse economic and demographic backgrounds applied for this year’s technical assistance. The applicants included municipal governments, local non-profits, and regional- and state-level organizations.