Brewing Economic Development

Cities across America are catching on to the economic development and placemaking potential of craft breweries, writes J. Katie McConnell.

1 minute read

August 11, 2012, 5:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Before he was sidetracked by a "snark attack" a couple of weeks ago, Ben Brown was about to embark on a discussion of beer as an economic development tool, prompted by the announcement that Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Company would be opening a brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. J. Katie McConnell picks up where Brown left off and looks at local efforts from across the country to attract and facilitate the establishment of craft breweries, including the intense competition for New Belgium. 

"Why all the attention to breweries?" asks McConnell. "Well, aside from the fact that beer
is delicious, craft breweries are extremely desirable from an economic
development standpoint. They contribute to "place making," are
growth-oriented exporters, and attract tourists."

McConnell details the ways in which craft breweries help define a sense of place and local identity, their allure as an export industry with growth potential, and their attraction for tourists. 

Thursday, August 9, 2012 in CitiesSpeak.org

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today