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

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’

If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.

April 11, 2024 - James Jennings

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

Green hills with orange California poppies in bloom in foreground in Chino Hills State Park, California.

Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient

A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.

April 22 - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.