Bill Kercher, theamericancity.org1

Character Towns A “character town” is a small city or town that people care about; A town with great neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, respected resources and strong leadership; A town that is affordable and prosperous with a vibrant middle class and a living wage economy; A town that is friendly and inviting with a sociable and civil society; a society that is proud of its hometown, protective of its heritage and committed to its wellbeing. A character town is a pleasant and prosperous place to live.

The Opportunity Small cities and towns with character are becoming more popular with: Residents Visitors Businesses

The Potential Attraction Residents in small cities and towns are finding: Close-in suburbs in decline Small suburban cities reviving with character Lifestyles that are more sociable and understandable Visitors are finding small cities and towns have: Interesting restaurants and shops Authentic festivals, museums and entertainment Comfortable accommodations Businesses are finding small cities and towns have: Friendly and supportive attitudes towards small business Infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs An attraction to New Economy workers Access to global markets

Competitive Advantage Factors Residents want: Great Neighborhoods Vibrant Downtown Community Assets [Schools, Libraries, Parks, etc.] Respected Historic and Natural resources Strong Community Leadership Visitors want: Interesting restaurants and shops Authentic festivals, museums and entertainment Comfortable accommodations Businesses need: Business friendly atmosphere Broadband internet Access to international airports Trainable workforce Related businesses, clustering

The Readiness Process

Vision, Strategy, Action Vision To be a interesting, pleasant, and prosperous place to live Strategy To protect, enhance or create the character of the town To build on strengths and shore-up weaknesses To cross-leverage every economic, social and physical asset of the city to achieve the vision Actions Economic Development Social Infrastructure Physical Setting

The Sustainability Overlay

Economic Prosperity ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: A strong data base Livability enhancement plans Collaborative business retention and recruiting plans Workforce development plans Marketing and public relations plans Assignments for city, institutional and business players

Economic Prosperity (cont’d) COMPREHENSIVE LONG RANGE FINANCE PROGRAMS: Annual and capital budgets. Special district plans and budgets. Redevelopment incentives and public financial tools.

Economic Prosperity (cont’d) ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTITUDES AND INFRASTRUCTURE: Training and support for startup companies. Connections to global networks. Tolerance of responsible risk. Partnering Business resource centers, incubators and accelerators. Branding innovation and retaining innovators. Celebrating successes.

Leverage Economic Assets Sources & Uses of Funds COMPREHENSIVE AND LONG TERM

Social Infrastructure ENACTMENT OF PROGRAMS: To foster mutual expectations. To promote broad-based respect for rules of behavior. To build trust. To pursue a common interest in fun. USE OF PARTNERSHIPS: To celebrate shared rituals. To enhance the city’s capacity for self-reliance. To construct ubiquitous connections. To enlighten governance. ATTITUDES ABOUT FACILITIES: To understand that public spaces matter. To insist upon respect for civic assets.

Leverage Community Assets

Physical Setting GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS A Diversity of Housing Walkable and Connected Neighborhoods, Streets and Paths Accessible Community Assets: schools, parks, shops and civic activities Participatory organizations VIBRANT DOWNTOWNS Restaurants, shops, offices, business and personal services Buildings, open spaces and streets properly scaled and designed Hotels and visitor accommodations and services Venues for community activities with programmed events

Physical Setting (Cont’d) RESPECTED HISTORIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES Lakes, rivers, gardens or parks Historic building, districts or tours CONNECTED COMMUNITY VENUES Walkable streets, sidewalks and trails that connect close-in neighborhoods with schools, parks, shopping, libraries, museums, theaters, downtown businesses, the post office and civic buildings. COMMUNITY PRIDE BUILT ON AUTHENTICITY Events and festivals that become traditions Iconic and unique physical features, stores, museums or theaters Waterfronts, central parks, college campuses or locally unique districts

Leverage Physical Assets

Conclusions 1.Leadership matters: Community and government 2.Leverage everything: A sustainable strategy cross- leverages all economic, social and physical assets 3.Community building is economic development:  Retain and recruit businesses with workforce training and entrepreneurial support  Build financial strength with a long and broad view 4.Social capital builds community character: Social infrastructure is built on programs, partnerships and facilities 5.An attractive place to live is a social and economic asset: A character town has great neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, respected resources, and civic pride based on authentic values

Character Towns Bill Kercher City Planning Consultant Editor, CharacterTowns.org Orlando, FL

Character Towns