The 26th Annual Congress for the New Urbanism will include a series of sessions open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited.
Economic Development in Small and Mid-sized Cities & What I Found in a Thousand Towns
Join Kennedy Smith, co-founder of the CLUE Group, and singer/songwriter Dar Williams, author of What I Found in a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musician’s Guide to Rebuilding America’s Communities One Coffee Shop, Dog Run, and Open-Mike Night at a Time-, for an evening of insights into how small towns and cities can become more economically strong and livable for all their residents. Smith has spent a career of more than 20 years focused on how towns and cities can develop dynamic retail and economic development plans that feature locally owned businesses and help breathe new life into historic buildings, while strengthening the hand of local organizations to support lively town centers. Williams, a thought-provoking songwriter and performer, has turned increasing attention in recent years to community-building, with a specific interest in what makes towns successful, economically resilient, and satisfying places to live. Both will offer their perspectives—spoken and sung—on ways to work with small communities to bring out their best, providing business choices, public gathering places, and great “third place” offerings in downtowns and neighborhoods.
Speakers:
- Kennedy Smith, Principal, Community Land Use and Economics Group
- Dar Williams, Singer, Songwriter, Author