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Governing Magazine - Placemaker Profile: Allan Jacobs
Feature Story:
Public Markets Conference Sets New Agenda for Communities and Local Economies
The clock tower sits proudly atop the Ferry Building, home to conference co-hosts CUESA/Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and the Ferry Building Marketplace.
"This is really an extraordinary time for markets," said PPS Senior Associate David O’Neil at the opening session of the 7th International Public Markets Conference, held on April 24-26, 2009 in San Francisco, CA. His excitement could be felt throughout the ballroom, where 230 participants from 38 states and 10 countries had gathered for three days of workshops, market tours and impossibly fresh Bay Area food. Reflecting the theme of the conference, O'Neil noted that "We have really come a long way, where we're talking about markets as catalysts for food systems that will affect regional planning and regional health." Conference attendees were asked to expand upon this connection, brainstorming in small groups about the roles and responsibilities of public markets in reconnecting communities and local economies – given our challenging economic climate today. Their top ten answers, expanded upon in this month’s feature article, provide a fascinating glimpse into the power of markets to revitalize communities, promote economic development, and perhaps most importantly, create an infectious sense of goodwill.
Opening Plenary
Click here to download audio for the Opening Plenary of the 7th International Public Markets Conference!
Listen to Sibella Kraus, Founder and President of Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE), David Smith, Director of Markets for the City of London, and Jordi Tolra i Mabilon, Director of Communications for the Barcelona Markets discuss the role of markets as a catalyst for stimulating regional food systems. Moderated by Michael Krasny, KQED Public Radio.
New Markets Publication Now Available!
Kellogg Diversifying Farmers Market Report
From 2005 – 2007, Project for Public Spaces received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to re-grant over $1 million to over 20 farmers markets around the U.S. The goal of this grant program was to support public markets, especially in low to moderate income communities, become more economically sustainable and community-centered. PPS was pleased that over the grant term most of these markets increased vendor sales and market operating revenue through marketing, partnerships, and business planning. In addition, the markets’ greater capacity and sustainability led to the revitalization of town centers, the creation of multicultural/diverse public spaces, and increased food access.
This pdf download provides an in-depth look into the Diversifying Markets Grant Program and the individual success and innovations of the participating public markets. Click here to purchase!
