Project for Public Spaces

Public Markets as a Vehicle for Social Integration and Upward Mobility

Nationwide (2002-2003)

Client: Ford Foundation

This research on what separates public markets from other economic development projects finds that a good public market is not only a local economic engine, but also a social gathering place that builds community. We analyzed a variety of markets from around the country, assessing their social and economic successes and looking at long-term sustainability issues. Case studies include: the Berkeley Flea Market in Berkeley, CA; the Chinatown Night Market in San Francisco, CA; the East New York Farmers Market in Brooklyn, NY; both El Faro Swap Meet and VEND at McArthur Park in Los Angeles, CA; El Mercado in Philadelphia, PA; Findlay Market in Cincinnati, OH; and the RFK Stadium Farmers Market in Washington, DC.