Economic Development Recovery and Resiliency Playbook - Flipbook - Page 68
a region north of Lake Tahoe known as “the Lost
Sierra.”85 The organization is funded through public
and private sources, and it has emerged as a regional
convener bringing interests together to create a
regional strategy for recreation and tourism that
promises to diversify rural economies. Its Connected
Communities project was created in the context
of the region’s economic and cultural history of
natural resource extraction. The project has brought
together federal agencies, local businesses, and
trail users to develop a master plan to transform the
local economy through development of recreation
infrastructure, namely trails and trail-user facilities.
The project outlines the development of 300 miles of
trails to connect a dozen towns in three counties.
Connect People and
Businesses to Place
Placemaking eforts cover a range of projects and
This chalk art festival was held in the City of Santa Clarita’s vibrant
organizations that strengthen the connection
Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District, which the city
between residents and businesses in shared places
rebranded to attract new visitors, shoppers, and businesses.
and enhance and communicate community culture.
These eforts promote business and workforce
connectivity in hubs, districts, and neighborhoods. Placemaking eforts also shape the built environment in ways that enhance
its livability and the community’s quality of life. Placemaking activities include:
• Improving the walkability of shopping, entertainment, and business districts;
• Removing physical and economic barriers among transit, shopping, and residential neighborhoods;
• Providing public and private support for arts organizations and institutions located in cultural or business districts;
• Commemorating the contributions of marginalized communities to local economic history in public art;
• Erecting wayfinding and economic history signage; and
• Creating indoor-outdoor nature museums along commercial corridors.
Placemaking activities such as these ofer opportunities for stakeholders to shape and realize a shared vision of a community on
the basis of history, culture, and the economy. Processes to design and plan these activities strengthen local identity and civic
pride. They have the potential to reinvigorate disinvested neighborhoods and to imbue project areas with cultural and economic
value representing a community’s identity and priorities.
Placemaking activities ofer opportunities for stakeholders to shape and realize a shared
vision of a community on the basis of history, culture, and the economy.
85
Williams, Greg, “Status Report: Connected Communities,” Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, September 2021.
https://sierratrails.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Connected-Communities-Status-Report-9.21.pdf
60
CALED | Economic Development Recovery and Resiliency Playbook
