Civic Lab Year two will focus on creating vibrant commercial corridors throughout the region. The engagement and educational component will be similar to that of Civic Lab Year One – direct participation by community groups, including business and property owners, developers, and neighborhood groups, working with direct leadership by the participating local jurisdiction. Year Two will be supplemented by another SACOG initiative, the Rural Main Streets. With a grant from the State of California, SACOG will offer the same services and structure as Civic Lab Year Two to rural communities seeking to revitalize the main street commercial districts. The two programs will be blended together with joint activities. 

To help launch both programs, two experts in community revitalization gave presentations recently to SACOG Board Committees. Larry Kosmont is a development consultant with expertise in assisting local governments throughout California. Michele Reeves is a community and economic revitalization consultant who helps communities across the country and has worked in over two dozen communities within SACOG. Larry and Michele made two presentations each to SACOG on August 2. 

First, both spoke about the challenges in producing housing, and particularly infill housing, and potential steps to overcoming obstacles to production. Their PowerPoint presentations are attached. Second, Larry and Michele each gave presentations on challenges and potential solutions to revitalizing commercial corridors in all community types and sizes. Their presentations are attached.

For more information, contact Civic Lab staff member Raef Porter (916-340-6261 or rporter@sacog.org) or Rural Main Streets staff member Greg Chew (916-340-6227 or gchew@sacog.org).