Small Town
Summits
Historic Preservation Promoting Economic Revitalization in Rural Mississippi.
Background
In November, 1999, the Small Town Center held a series of Small Town Summit workshops at the request of Congressman Chip Pickering of the Third Congressional District. The workshops introduced attendees to the economic opportunities small towns in Mississippi face as changes occur in technology and transportation. As these changes occur, small towns can be faced with the negative impact of sprawling growth, abandonment of the traditional commercial core, and flight from traditional neighborhood centers. Participants were asked to look at their own communities and the built and natural resources they possess, and were introduced to the idea that design and planning for the built environment can improve the quality of life for their community. The workshop was intended to start a conversation about how growth and positive change can be sponsored in our communities.
Three Summits were held on three consecutive days: West Point was the location for representatives from towns of 10,000 or less; the summit for larger towns of 20-30,000 was held in Meridian; and the Summit for suburban communities of major metropolitan areas was held in Madison. Hands-on exercises allowed the participants to discuss and solve problems facing their own community. Participants left the Small Town Summit with practical skills to help their community and a resource notebook.
The Agenda for the Workshops
Recognizing Natural and Cultural Resources assisted participants in seeing the opportunities that exist within their communities. Rural character is vital to keeping the charm and appeal of small towns. The ability to take advantage of the natural landscape and the historic built environment enables communities to use these tools for economic redevelopment. This program was presented by Pratt Cassity, the Preservation Services Coordinator of the School of Environmental Design at the University of Georgia.
Memory Mapping required that each participant create a map of their community based upon their memories of it. This exercise helped each participant remember specific aspects of their community and bring attention to the most memorable, either positive or negative. This introduction to graphic communication assisted them with other activities throughout the day and helped the participants use the knowledge gained in the context of their own community. This program was presented by Shannon Criss, the director of the Small Town Center at the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University.
Design Changes in Rural America: The Forces at Work dealt with the changes in agriculture, industry, and transportation in rural America. The transfer of agriculture from the small farm to agri-business and the increase in and continued recruitment of industry has changed communities in Mississippi. The increase in the four-lane highway system in Mississippi has connected communities that were once considered extremely rural. This program was presented by John Hildreth, the director of the Southern Region Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Design Process in Rural Communities/Vision of Communities dealt with developing a vision for a communityÕs future and how to communicate that vision to the public. Using the design process, participants walked through activities that better assisted them in seeing their communities as they exist currently and how they could be. This program was presented by Beverly Meng, director of the Mississippi Main Street Association.
Transportation and Economic Vitality: A Hands-On Activity dealt with the challenges associated with changes in transportation. A highway by-pass and increases in the four-lane highway system offer opportunities to the communities of rural Mississippi. This program was coordinated by Ken PÕPool, the director of the Historic Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
The Keynote Speaker, Donovan Rypkema of Principal Real Estate Services Group in Washington D.C. delivered a talk entitled The Effects of Growth and Change in Communities. This program gave many examples of successful models in communities nationwide. Contemporary concerns of urban sprawl, transportation and the abandonment of the traditional commercial core were addressed.
Sponsoring and Partnering Organizations
These Small Town Summit workshops were provided free-of-charge to approximately 180 participants. Along with the hosting communities the following organizations assisted in providing these workshops:
Sponsoring Organizations: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Main Street Association, Small Town Center.
Partnering Organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, Canton Redevelopment Authority, Fannie Mae Foundation, Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Mississippi Valley Gas, National Park Service, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Tennessee Valley Authority.
Three Small Town Summits were held in the Fall of 1999 at the request of Congressman Chip Pickering, of the Third Congressional District. The objective was to educate representatives from Mississippi towns about the value of design, planning and historic preservation to promote economic revitalization.
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