Top Ten Responsibilties of Public Markets

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In the Opening Plenary of the conference, attendees were asked to brainstorm in small groups around the question, “What are the roles and responsibilities of public markets in reconnecting communities and local economies?”  Answers were written onto index cards, and collected throughout the three-day conference.

At Closing Plenary, the top ten answers – the most recurring themes submitted – were presented to conference attendees:

  1. Catalyze neighborhood and downtown revitalization
  2. Build community and create a sense of local ownership and pride
  3. Educate members of the community, especially schools and local businesses, about the myriad benefits of markets
  4. Promote economic development
  5. Build and enhance social capital: markets as places which draw people together
  6. Support local products and the local exchange of goods
  7. Provide accessible food to all members of the community through EBT, food stamps and other programs
  8. Inspire a feel-good ambiance
  9. Create opportunities for small businesses
  10. Support, educate and sustain farmers

What’s your take on the above?  Does your local public market accomplish these goals in your community?  How can we move towards meeting the needs of the local communities we serve?

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  • http://www.acenetworks.org Leslie Schaller

    The confernce was wonderful and inspiring! Many thanks to Steve, David, Kelly and Nora for all their hard work and risk taking to give us all the opportunity for all us ‘zealous nuts’ to learn, network and share. Also many thanks to all the staff at PPS, the lead sponsors, supporters, partners and our wonderful Bay Area hosts.

  • Aurash

    Those are great points. Another point that could be added is that markets can improve the health of the local population, which has a great multiplier effect on the economic, quality of life, and overall vibrancy of a community. When the local health improves, the burden on the health care system declines, worker productivity goes up, citizens can become more involved within the community, and people are just plain happier. Several countries around the world are experiencing obesity epidemics, and markets are an essential component to solving those epidemics.

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