“Place-based economic development is about creating vibrant, vital, attractive communities likely to draw and retain residents who can contribute to the economic progress of the community,” says Jeffrey D. Padden, president of Public Policy Associates, Inc., which supports the work of the Council. “It can be the arts and cultural scene, walkable communities, or mixed-use developments. And there is an important element of supporting entrepreneurship and the synergy among entrepreneurs that makes them more likely to commit to a location for the long term.” MAKING THE CASE FOR PLACE
Construction & Renovation for Residential, Commercial, Industrial & Multifamily The Sense of Place Council has built awareness and support for placemaking by engaging state policymakers and by spreading the word to the various organizations, local affiliates, and members across the state. Its work has contributed to the state’s fundamental shift in job-creation strategies from “chasing smokestacks” (big out-ofstate companies) to economic gardening, which is about nurturing Michigan-based companies with the potential for growth. Over the past several years, Michigan has been a leader in placemaking in part because the stakes are so high. The state suffered through a single-state recession for years and lost thousands of young college graduates to urban hotspots. A large percentage of young Michiganders began an exodus — not just for good-paying jobs, but for a lifestyle. Chicago has been the AVENUES TO AFFORDABILITY
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