9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Quality of Place: Fostering Hope in Uncertain Times Mark Peterson, University of Arkansas Extension High quality of place - basic quality of life amenities plus extraordinary personal experiences - is valuable in the knowledge-based economy. In uncertain times, it fosters hope that a community will survive and grow. In this workshop, participants will be given tools to create a community quality of place plan.

1. Quality of Place – Fostering
Hope in Uncertain Times
Community Development Society
2009 Conference
Mark Peterson
July 29, 2009

2. Quality of Life and Place –
Building Vibrant Communities
in the 21st Century
Community Development Society
2009 Conference
Mark Peterson
July 29, 2009

3. Breakthrough News
• Electronic newsletter
• The purpose of Breakthrough News is to
help communities and regions survive and
thrive in the 21st century economy
• Success stories, best practices, new
resources, coming events, strategic
thinking

4. Quality of Life and Place
Basic quality of life amenities plus
extraordinary personal experiences
that draw people to live, work and
play in their community.
An energy, a community spirit

5. Three Primary Motivators
• People like to feel unique and
appreciated.
• People also like to feel as if they are
part of something larger than
themselves.
• Everyone likes to play and have fun.

6. In the 20th Century, one lived
where their work was.
In the 21st Century, one works
where their life is.

7. Breakthrough Solutions Program
• Holistic community development to develop
vibrant communities and regions
• Strategic plan that harnesses the forces of
change
• Research based
• Supports implementation and measures
impact

9. Examples of High Quality of Life
and Place?

10. Little Rock River Market

14. Hope Watermelon Festival

16. Add other QOP info here

19. Quality of Life and Place
• Millions of people and businesses can
live (almost) anywhere
• Strategic Question: Does your
community/region offer a high quality
of life and extraordinary personal
experiences to these people?

20. Popsicle Test
• Can you get from the corner store to your
home without your popsicle melting?

21. Smooch Test
• Would you feel comfortable walking with
your date in the evening?

22. Kid Test
• Would kids feel comfortable walking in
your neighborhood?
• Better yet, would they enjoy your
neighborhood?

23. Senior Test
• Can senior citizens easily get around?
• Would they feel comfortable in your
neighborhood?

24. Commons Test
• Are there common places – civic spaces
where people can gather easily?
• Are they built for easy walking, or do you
have to drive to them?

25. Experience Test
Does your community offer a variety of
experiences, appealing to people at all
stages of life: arts, music, athletics, health
and fitness venues, parks, cyber cafes,
senior citizen programs, pre-school and
after-school care?

27. Quality of Place Quiz