June 2007
GUIDE TO COMMUNITY PLANNING
INSIDE: What is the Creative
How Your Community 2
Economy?
Can Attract
Creativity Creative workers by traditional notions
have long included artists, musicians,
2 writers and teachers. In recent years, this
Getting Started : En-
couraging Growth in the group of workers has expanded to include
Creative Sector computer programmers, publishers, web
designers, architects and other idea-driven
How Well Does Your 3 professions. This group and their
Community Support the transaction collectively are now referred to
Creative Economy? as the Creative Economy; a cluster of
businesses industry and individual artisans,
in both private and commercial enterprises,
Points of Interest: which comprise a sector of our economy
that is based upon ideas.
• In New England, the The Creative Economy is important to
Creative Economy Art makes significant contributions communities because new ideas are at the
contributes an annual to our Environment. foundation of economic growth. When
payroll of $4.3 billion Art work by Mary Bradley creative ideas are coupled with technology
Spencer Square, Lebanon, NH
and innovation, there is a great potential
• There are a number of
for growth in trade, industry and social
policies, regulations, and Redefining an Industry development. This growth promotes
incentives a community
may consider to An old industry is receiving new tourism, spurs growth in retail and service
encourage growth in the recognition. An industry that, within industries, attracts businesses, and supports
creative economy. New England, employs a workforce a rich community life. An example of this
of a quarter million and contributes an dynamic from recent history is the
• Planning for the ingenious that drove the development of
Creative Economy starts annual payroll of $4.3 billion dollars
(New England Council, June 2000). the Precision Valley machine tool industry
with a Master Plan.
It has been around a long time, but it in Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Many Creative has become more prominent and These ideas that drive economies are not
Economy strategies diverse as our economy has advanced. always tangible. Creative thinking is not
concern “quality of life”, This has allowed our workforce to owned by shareholders who can choose to
the basis for all relocate these resources to your
pursue the creation of goods and
economic development community. They are intellectual property,
services that are based on an idea
plans. whose creators locate themselves in an
rather than physical products or
capital as is common in an environment that is conducive to their
industrialized economy. work and social lifestyle.
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 2
How to Attract Creativity
There are few studies to advise
“the Creative Economy communities on how to encourage
should not be viewed as growth in the Creative Economy.
the sole solution to all There are, however, examples of
economic and social goals communities that have successfully Portsmouth Cultural Plan
of a community” encouraged economic and social
development with creative industries.
There are a number of policies, The City of Portsmouth,
regulations, and incentives a NH has completed a
community may consider. comprehensive cultural
plan led by a Mayor’s
Many of these strategies concern
Blue Ribbon Committee
“quality of life”, the basis for all on Arts and Culture.
economic development plans.
It is important to note that the Creative
Economy should not be viewed as the
sole solution to all economic and social Art-Speak: City of Portsmouth Cultural
goals of a community, but rather is an Commission Portsmouth Cultural Plan
important piece of an overall strategy http://www.art-speak.org/
for economic health.
Supporting Creative Industries Requires:
• Upgrading infrastructure and
Creative Spaces must • Providing affordable living and
have a “Sense of Place” telecommunications for creative and
work space for artists and
and be: entrepreneurial workspaces.
entrepreneurs.
• Ensuring compact, human-scale, • Providing space for arts and
“Smart” – wired to plug
pedestrian-oriented community. culture in the community and its
and play
• Preserving historic and cultural public property.
“Green” – enhance the facilities, and open space.
environment • Supporting creative economy
• Designing for a “sense of place.” principles and stakeholders in the
Vibrant places have inviting street master planning process.
“Fun” – feed the soul
scapes, mixed uses, and
transportation options. • Providing quality educational
opportunities for children and
adults.
Getting Started
Planning for the Creative Economy starts Master Plan. Care should be taken to
with a Master Plan; the underlying basis give due consideration to existing trends,
for many policy decisions a community issues related to the Creative Economy,
makes. Any community that intends on future possibilities, and policy/strategy
developing policies or programs in considerations.
support of creative jobs should give
consideration to these industries and (Continued on page 3)
supporting planning principals in a
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 3
(Continued from page 2)
This process typically begins by
inventorying and mapping cultural assets
Is your community
and possibly even documenting the
economic impact of idea-based enterprises.
Creative Economy
Understanding your community’s strengths,
weaknesses and opportunities provides a
Friendly?
framework to assess current and future The “Idealized”
conditions, and develop strategies to Planning Process:
implement a shared vision. This assessment
can be created by using available data
sources (see Creative Economy Resources) Exner Block Restoration 1. Vision-where do we
or implementing your own survey. want to be?
Rockingham Community Land Trust and 2. Inventory and data
Some communities address the Creative Housing Vermont Partnership restore collection-existing
Economy in the economic development Exner Block Building conditions & future
element of their Master Plan, although with 10 affordable prospects.
separate arts and culture chapters are live/work spaces, with
3. Data collection &
sometimes developed to add additional preference given to
analysis.
emphasis to the topic. Some communities artist, and 6 retail
have also taken it a step further to create storefronts. 4. Formulation of goals
stand-alone cultural and civic arts plans. & objectives.
Affordable live/work
space funded through 5. Implementation
See how well your community supports the
HUD, VT Housing
Creative Economy by reviewing the 6. Evaluation
Finance, and others.
following questions and policy
considerations in “Does Your Town…” Rockingham Arts and Museum Project
http://www.ramp-vt.org/home.htm
• Create opportunities for collaboration
Does Your Town… between cultural and business
communities. This could include
…have artists, entrepreneurs and seasonal events such as festivals.
other creative workers serving on
local boards? • Establish a permanent, independent
cultural commission that can apply for “Engaging arts and
There are few better ways to incorporate and receive funding. cultural community
the needs of the Creative Economy into
local land use ordinances and is paramount”
regulations. Engaging the arts and …incorporate space for arts and
cultural community is paramount. culture in the community’s public
spaces?
To support creativity:
• Nurture the creation and growth of
coalitions and partnerships between Encouraging public art installations and
the arts community and government. performance spaces, as well as integrating
cultural space into all new municipal
• Establish a communication/network building projects, is just one way this can
between technical/creative sectors be done.
(new media, film, etc.) and
government.
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 4
Does Your Town…
(Continued from page 3) • Provide assistance and support for
To support creativity: incubating start-up organizations and
“A vibrant businesses. This could include the
community • Be sure that zoning allows mixed
development of incubator space for
exhibits uses in central business districts and
start-ups.
treasures downtowns. Be sure to allow …exhibit pride in its cultural and
residential dwellings. historic heritage?
from its past.”
• Maximize use of town building space
for cultural activities. A vibrant community exhibits treasures
• Ensure that zoning regulations from its past.
support the Creative Economy and To support creativity:
define the terms gallery, studio,
performance venue, and public • Identify and promote people and sites
assembly facilities. Be sure that that have historic, cultural, natural,
these uses are permitted. architectural, and artistic signifi-
• Address zoning issues cance.
and building codes • Strengthen your com-
which act as barriers munity’s role in protect-
for artists, including Claremont Mills ing historic resources
limitations on and preservation
combining living and planning efforts.
working space, and
the need for higher • Consider the establish-
density and smaller ment of a Historic or
living spaces. The City of Claremont continues
Heritage Commission.
their effort to revitalize old mill • Promote the inclusion of
• Examine parking buildings along the Sugar River.
requirements and prominent structures on
The project began with an EPA the National or State
consider reducing brownfield assessment grant.
parking standards for New mill uses include Register of historic
existing buildings that condominiums, a parking places.
might be conducive structure and a new location for • Consider establishing a
to artist space. the NH eatery, the Common
historic district.
Man Restaurant.
• Investigate how • Develop a Historic
building and fire Preservation Plan for the
safety codes inhibit creating space entire community that identifies
for artists within old mill buildings. areas of the community that are a
• Work with code and fire officials to high priority for inventory, and
develop innovative ways to safely possibly subsequent regulatory
redevelop buildings. protection. Identify noteworthy
structures under threat of neglect.
• Promote high-speed/wireless internet
infrastructure. Identify infrastructure • Increase public awareness of the
and telecommunication needs for Historic District and appropriate
businesses and craftspeople to stay treatments of historic structures.
connected.
…support good community design
through its existing land use regula-
tions?
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Page 5
Does Your Town…
• Consider maximum parking
requirements within zoning to ensure
Creating and allowing human-scale, walk-
large surface parking lots do not
able streetscapes, mixed uses, and viable
fragment their environment. “Encourage the
transportation options creates an
environment where arts and culture can …provide affordable living and promotion of
flourish. working space for artists and en- arts on trains and
To support creativity: trepreneurs? buses”
• Consider a site plan review process to
regulate the develop- Removing limitations on
ment of commercial combining living/
and multifamily sites. working space, allowing
higher density, and
• Establish an encouraging smaller
architectural design Brunswick, Maine living spaces, maintains
review district that www.fiveriversartsalliance.org and expands the existing
would encourage Local arts alliance received a range of housing options
architectural design Community and makes for a more
and building standards Development affordable climate for the
that complement the Block Grant creative sector.
New England-style (CDBG) of
ambiance of the $10,000 to To support creativity:
community. fund public • Ensure that zoning
• Establish landscaping meetings to regulations provide for
standards which develop plans a sufficient amount of
facilitate integration of to strengthen land for housing and
uses rather then the region’s economy. ensure that lot sizes
isolation. It was a collaboration between are not prohibitively
three neighboring communi- large. Revitalizing
• Consider the creation ties to survey the sector about downtowns is a start
of neighborhood their needs and to host four but be careful not to
overlay district within public forums that each ad- create an environment
zoning to protect the dress a particular aspect of that is unaffordable.
character of planning to support the crea- As places draw greater
neighborhoods. tive economy. activity to their
• Provide alternative Maine Department of Economic downtowns, property
means of and Community Development values and rents
transportation, such as http://www.econdevmaine.com increase, making it
infrastructure to more difficult for
support walking, bicy- artists and small local
cling, and transit services. Also ensure businesses to remain.
that parking sites provide for safe pe- • Expand the supply of exhibit,
destrian access and circulation, in- rehearsal and performance spaces.
cluding sidewalk access and pedes- Develop spaces for cultural activities
trian aisles through parking lots. and venues for performances,
• Provide for shared parking facilities to exhibitions, meetings, storage,
allow a more cohesive pedestrian rehearsal, and education.
environment.
(Continued on page 6)
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Page 6
Does Your Town…
• Support an active nightlife in the
(Continued from page 5)
downtown while protecting residents
• Consider designating an outdoor
from undue impacts.
performance space.
• Expand the supply of housing for …market and promote creative
artists that is suitable for home businesses in the community?
“Promote the occupation. This can be done by
adaptive reuse of allowing for accessory dwellings,
e.g. small apartments in upper floors Is there an arts council? Has an economic
buildings.” of downtown buildings. study documenting the contribution of the
• Ensure that zoning regulations arts been done?
support home occupations and To support creativity:
cottage industries.
• Support the arts as a
• Explore the benefits distinctive and significant
of making your component of the local
community a and regional economy.
Certified Local
Government to offer NH Main Street & • Support creative financing
commercial historic Vermont Downtown options.
property owners Program • Implement a
federal tax benefits comprehensive and
and qualify for other coordinated network of
historic preservation signage directing tourists
funding. and residents to creative
• Promote the adaptive Vermont recognized the industries and shopping
reuse of buildings. importance of downtowns networks.
by establishing the 1998 • Make transportation
• Explore the use of Downtown Development enhancements that
flexible zoning Act to strengthen
techniques to incorporate aesthetic
downtowns. improvements and art.
negotiate creative
mixed-use housing in Vermont Division for • Encourage the promotion
association with Historic Preservation. of arts on trains and buses,
commercial Vermont Downtown in welcome centers, and
development and Program http:// electronic kiosks/
redevelopment. www.historicvermont.org websites.
/programs/downtown.html
• Maintain and enhance • Consider participation in
the vitality and NH Main Street Program the National Scenic
attractiveness of the http://www.nhcdfa.org/ Byway Program to
downtown (Central mainstreet.html encourage tourism and
Business District), promote the positive
serving local needs as aspects of your
well as visitors. community.
• Maintain a strong housing • Market yourself as a business and
component in the upper floors of cultural destination.
downtown buildings.
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 7
Does Your Town…
(Continued from page 6)
• Develop and enhance programs that
recognize and publicize cultural assets
such as starting a local awards program Scenic Byway
to recognize achievements of individuals
and organizations in the arts and cultural
fields. Plan seasonal events, such as
festivals that feature local history, artists,
writers, and craftspeople.
• Engage community members in life-long
learning using arts and culture. The Connecticut River Byway
• Support and establish a comprehensive promotes arts, culture and
arts-in-education program for the public history within the
schools. Connecticut River Valley.
• Encourage year-round arts and culture The Byway is a scenic
classes for adults and children, novices corridor of highways, byways,
and experts through the town recreation and waterways along the
department. Connecticut River in Vermont
• Collaborate with universities to expand and New Hampshire.
cultural programs.
• Promote local arts and culture as a key
component of economic vitality.
• Promote the quality of life as enriched by
its cultural assets.
• Support the creation of a cultural
identity.
• Encourage collaboration among arts and
cultural organizations as well as the
Chamber of Commerce, Main Street,
local, regional, and state planning
organizations, tourist groups, hospitality
industry and economic development Your regional
councils. planning
• Enhance information services enabling commission can
audiences to locate and use cultural provide sample
programs. plans and
• Integrate cultural facilities into all new assistance!
municipal building projects.
• For larger communities, establish an arts
and cultural agency to act on the
municipality’s behalf on all matters
related to arts and culture.
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 8
Creative Economy Resources
National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/archive/parks.html
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Development Block Grant
Program
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic Preservation Tax Credits
http://www.nationaltrust.org/
Historic New England
http://www.historicnewengland.org/
June 2007 The Arts Alliance
http://www.artsalliance.com/home.aspx
This publication was The New England Council
prepared by Upper http://www.newenglandcouncil.com/
Valley Lake Sunapee
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Regional Planning
http://www.dca.state.vt.us/
Commission.
http://uvlsrpc.org New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development
http://www.dred.state.nh.us/
Funding for the work
New England Foundation for the Arts
was provided by the http://www.nefa.org/
New Hampshire
Charitable Foundation. NH State Council on the Arts
http://www.nhcf.org/ http://www.nh.gov/nharts/
New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts
http://www.nhbca.com/news_040610_ce.php
New Hampshire Association of Regional Planning Commissions
http://www.nharpc.org/
Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies
http://www.vapda.org/
Maine Regional Councils
http://www.maine.gov/spo/landuse/techassist/regcouncil.php
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
http://www.mass.gov/“Creative Class”
Home of the Richard Florida Creativity Group.
http://www.creativeclass.org/
New England Foundation for the Arts
http://www.nefa.org/projinit/createecon/index.html
Midcoast Magnet
http://www.midcoastmagnet.com/
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
http://www.arts.ri.gov/projects/housing.php
Massachusetts Cultural Council
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/issues/economicdevelopment.html
UPPER VALLEY LAKE SUNAPEE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Upper Valley Creative Economy Initiative
Steering Committee Members
Sabrina Brown, Pentangle Council on the Arts
Len Cadwallader, Vital Communities
Alison Clarkson, Vermont House of Representatives
Beverly Fiertz, Upper Valley Region Advisory Board
Joan Goshgarian, NH Business Committee for the Arts
Andrea Henry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Margaret “Peggy” Kannenstine, Artist - CHAIR
Karen Keane, Arts Consultant
Margaret Lawrence, Hopkins Center – Dartmouth College
Ken Niemczyk, City of Lebanon
Gayle Ottmann, Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Peterson, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Upper Valley Region staff
Joanne Wise, Upper Valley Region Advisory Board
Naj Wikoff, C. Everett Koop Institute – Dartmouth Medical School
Elevate the Creative Economy!