As rising costs expel artists from urban cores, some small towns are positioning themselves as unlikely magnets for creative expression.
Traditionally, artists and other bohemian creatives favor low-cost urban living, often gathering in "arts districts." Today's rising urban rents might turn that pattern on its head as artists migrate to the ultimate destination in ironic cool: small towns.
According to this piece in Nonprofit Quarterly, "small towns are reinventing themselves through the arts and attracting new revenue streams and business." Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, cites an "explosion" of art facilities and programs in her state. From community centers to galleries, festivals to theater companies, many towns are encouraging investment in an arts scene.
The author notes that "[Nonprofit Quarterly] is exposed to a lot of pitches for stories about the civil sector where the hype clearly outpaces any real movement. It's a tendency we are not fond of, though those stories clearly do show some creativity. But Katz's narrative is helped by the reality on the ground."
FULL STORY: Developing a Narrative to Advance an Issue: The Case for Creative Placemaking in Small Towns
On the Natural Urbanism of East L.A. Artists
The planning process often suffers from a lack of community engagement. According to James Rojas, planners can learn from the on-the-ground urbanism of artists in East L.A.
Rural Areas Embrace the Arts for Economic Development
A burgeoning revitalization model uses the arts as an opportunity to bring in outside money while hiring local.
Artists Breathe New Life Into Pennsylvania Town
Long suffering Rust Belt woes and lacking the name recognition of a Pittsburgh or Detroit, York opened its doors to another overlooked group: artists. The results so far are impressive.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions