RC Foundation Presents Mansfield Rising at State Conference
Richland County Foundation Senior Community Investment Officer Allie Watson presented the Mansfield Rising Plan during the Greater Ohio Policy Center’s Annual Summit in Columbus.
Watson was one of four people on a panel that discussed Civic Capacity: Building the Foundation for Revitalization. The other presenters were Derek Santos, New Bedford Economic Development Council, Brian Boyle, Issues Media Group, Erica Spaid Patras, Greater Ohio Policy Center.
Last year, the Richland County Foundation leadership took an unusual track to develop an investment strategy for downtown Mansfield. Instead of hiring a professional consulting firm, it had a citizen-led group create the plan.
The Foundation turned regular citizens into consultants which gives depth and authenticity to the plan. It provides a road map for projects and opportunities for partnerships to continue the renaissance of Mansfield.
With the assistance of Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jodie Perry and Richland Source President Jay Allred, the Richland County Foundation leadership selected a diverse and qualified group of 15 individuals who were willing to commit nearly a year of their lives to develop the Mansfield Rising Plan. The Foundation awarded a grant to send the group to the South by Southwest Conference (SXSW) in Austin, TX, last year. SXSW is a world-renowned thought and ideas festival that brings the sharpest minds in government, technology, business, and entertainment together in one place. The goal was for the team to come back with ideas to improve the downtown. According to the GOPC, strong civic infrastructure has been found to be the most important factor in small legacy city revitalization – but building it is far easier said than done. It requires individuals in the community to be adaptive leaders who can seize opportunities, respond to adversity and draw plans that the community is able to move.
The GOPC Summit offered attendees perspectives on comprehensive and sustainable growth for Ohio’s cities by bringing together experts, policymakers, and local leaders from Ohio and beyond. The Summit featured emerging models for community and metro prosperity, including new financing paradigms, creative partnerships, innovative practices and interventions, and promising policies.
About the Richland County Foundation The Richland County Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3, was established in 1945 as a way for individuals to pool and invest their gifts for the long-term good of Richland County and its residents.
The Foundation helps people in Richland County give back to their community by investing their gifts for charity wisely so that grants can be made to improve the quality of life for all of the county’s citizens. Working together with donors, the Foundation meets important needs today and plans for a strong future.