Sometimes, Cookie Monster Eats Pizza
(…and Other Tales of Community Improvement Projects)
When trying to create a more vibrant community it’s good to have an easy way to go about it. One thing you learn is sometimes a few laughs, along with a serious focus, can help the cause because, the results are no laughing matter when we talk about what can happen when neighbors and donors work together.
Recently, we talked to two creative community development leaders in Massachusetts about using the “Commonwealth Places” program, their efforts, and results.
- Eric R. Smith is Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Athol, MA. Smith helped lead an effort to create an accessible floating dock on the Millers River.
- Ben Lamb is Economic Development Projects Manager for 1Berkshire. He was part of the North Adams Partnership in the Town of North Adams, MA which developed the Eagle Street Initiative — a project to reactivate that street as a social and economic hub in the community.
Get in the Game with Great Coaching
It doesn’t matter if it’s chess or football or drama, a great coach can bring out the best from a performer. Same is true when you couple great coaching with an outstanding program such as MassDevelopment’s “Commonwealth Places”. As Eric found, crowdfunding success for community projects can happen quickly and a lot easier than expected.
Building on the Excitement in the Community
When a community conversation starts around a project it can be very exciting. Sadly, sometimes, that’s where a lot of community projects end… at conversation. But, Ben said using “Commonwealth Places” opened the door to not only building on the excitement but giving community members an opportunity to turn that interest into action.
Social Media Silliness Brings Serious Attention
Running a community crowdfunding campaign, like the ones Athol and North Adams undertook, is marathon, not a short sprint. There’s a need for thinking for not only a diversity of connections from within the community but a range of ideas, voices, and methods for getting and keeping the attention of the public for the cause. For Ben, he decided maybe people could connect to everyone’s favorite cookie lover.
Don’t Be Shy
After the success of one project, and running a second successful campaign, Eric said if you feel the project is solid, and the community is ready, make the ask.
Bringing it All Together — More than a Pretty Place
Because of the success of the project in North Adams, the local road was repaved with plans of creating one of the first shared pedestrian roads in the region. Meanwhile, a New York based developer is planning to bring a boutique hotel to a building on the street that has sat vacant for decades. The North Adams project shows how a great project can bring layers of community and economic developments.
If you want to hear the full stories, great strategies, and the impacts of the program for Eric and Ben’s projects — you can dive into a recording of the full webinar below.
Ready to Share Your Story?
At Patronicity, we know inspiration comes from those innovative organizations that sponsor match programs, like MassDevelopment, as well as those who creative great community projects to improve their neighborhoods on the local level. Maybe you’re a dynamic leader like Eric or Ben and are interested in stepping forward with a project that connects. We’d love to hear about it because, really, what better time than now to step up, make it happen, and share your story?
You can do it, Patronicity is here to help.
Let’s talk!
Learn more and get in touch at https://www.patronicity.com
