The most difficult aspect of rebuilding a city is getting people to believe in it again, but arts projects have given one American city hope and inspiration again, says Karen Freeman-Wilson.
When I became mayor of my hometown, Gary, Indiana in 2012, we embarked on a journey to spark revitalization in our city. Gary had suffered decades of decline related to a changing economy and shifting property tax revenue.
This ultimately resulted in an exodus from the city, giving rise to vacant and abandoned buildings, a soaring poverty rate and concomitant crime. While we understood the importance of focusing on infrastructure, job creation and public safety, we also knew that in order to spur resurgence in the city, we needed to embrace creative placemaking... Keep reading on Fox News
When I became mayor of my hometown, Gary, Indiana in 2012, we embarked on a journey to spark revitalization in our city. Gary had suffered decades of decline related to a changing economy and shifting property tax revenue.
This ultimately resulted in an exodus from the city, giving rise to vacant and abandoned buildings, a soaring poverty rate and concomitant crime. While we understood the importance of focusing on infrastructure, job creation and public safety, we also knew that in order to spur resurgence in the city, we needed to embrace creative placemaking... Keep reading on Fox News