Cultural Heritage as Capital: Community-Driven Approaches to Equitable Revitalization

This interactive session explores innovative approaches to community-led economic development through the lens of cultural heritage preservation and revitalization. Our diverse panel of practitioners shares groundbreaking case studies from Portland, Birmingham, and Mobile, demonstrating how historically marginalized communities can transform cultural assets into sustainable economic ecosystems.

The session illuminates how authentic community engagement, creative placemaking, and cultural preservation can drive both economic prosperity and social equity in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Drawing from our panelists’ extensive work in Albina (Portland), Africatown (Mobile), and various Black communities across the South, we’ll dissect successful strategies that align community ownership, cultural expression, and economic development. Participants will gain actionable insights on building inclusive models that honor history while creating pathways to economic empowerment.