Procurement powers placemaking by generating economic activity. But many governments overlook this potential.
On a recent trip to the East Coast, my husband and I visited several small towns to take in the fall foliage. As we wandered down tree-lined streets, passing charming shop windows along Main Street, it was clear these towns had something special. Quaint parks and open spaces nestled between businesses invited us to pause, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the slower pace—far removed from our everyday routines.
Each year, thousands of visitors are drawn to these communities by their historic charm, outdoor activities, and sense of place. People come to capture seasonal photos, create memories, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. This is the power of placemaking. But placemaking doesn’t just enhance a community’s identity, it boosts the local economy. Procurement plays a significant role in generating that activity.
What is Placemaking?
Placemaking, as defined by Mark Wyckoff, professor at Michigan State University, is about creating “quality places that people want to live, work, play, and learn in.” It’s a process that involves careful planning, visioning, and collaboration between public and private sectors. By integrating local culture and civic pride into physical spaces, placemaking can turn everyday areas into vibrant, welcoming destinations that attract both residents and tourists. This fosters a sense of belonging and creates opportunities for economic activity.
Community events like farmers markets, pop-up retail spaces, and seasonal festivals create valuable opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, and artisans. These activities bring more people into the area, supporting local businesses and driving tourism. Over time, these efforts help increase investment, create new businesses, and keep money circulating within the community.
Procurement’s Role in Placemaking
Procurement plays a vital role in placemaking that is not always top of mind. Professional procurers are responsible for acquiring the services and materials to make placemaking visions a reality, whether that’s hiring vendors to set up a local festival or contractors who convert an old building into a community hub.
Many governments aim to hire local businesses for these projects. Local hiring furthers placemaking’s aims by creating a sense of community ownership in projects and supporting the economy. However, bureaucratic tangles in the procurement process make hiring local vendors difficult.
A legalistic and bureaucratic system makes procurement overly complicated. Different departments involved in placemaking may have varying requirements and processes. This fragmentation is confusing to navigate and can shut out businesses that would otherwise help bring placemaking projects to life.
Luckily, new tech like Civic Marketplace, a digital platform for e-procurement, makes it easier for small businesses to participate in these projects.
How Tech is Simplifying Local Procurement for Placemaking
Civic Marketplace simplifies the bid process by organizing pre-vetted contracts on one simple platform. This includes a simple way for governments to search for local vendors. This tool helps governments get the best value for their spending while allowing smaller, local businesses to compete. By leveling the playing field, Civic Marketplace empowers small businesses to thrive and contribute to placemaking.
Placemaking is about more than just improving public spaces; it’s about creating environments where people can connect, interact, and build community. Platforms like Civic Marketplace play a critical role in making these transformations possible.
Chambers and organizations collaborate every day. Why not have a one-stop shop where requests for information can be found, connections for quotes can easily be located, and projects are transparent for local vendors and residents alike? By simplifying the procurement process and supporting local businesses, Civic Marketplace fosters sustainable economic growth and strengthens the sense of community that placemaking creates.
In the end, placemaking and effective public procurement go hand in hand. With tools like Civic Marketplace, communities can take advantage of the full potential of placemaking—transforming public spaces into vibrant, thriving centers that drive both social and economic development.
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