Support for this Program
This event is supported by funding from the United States Conference of Mayors through the MICD Partnership. The Mayors’ Institute on City Design is a National Endowment for the Arts initiative in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors.
On December 17, 2020, we hosted a free, public webinar via Zoom. Anchors and Connectors are key components for building a strong foundation of small town success. This workshop, co-sponsored by the Mayors’ Institute on City Design and the OU Institute for Quality Communities explored Anchors and Connectors with different perspectives.
Speakers
Keynote: Beverly Abell, Downtown Development Director for Mesquite, Texas
Abell is an award-winning downtown development expert whose career has spanned over three decades and includes work on local, national and international levels. She has managed five local programs in three states and is the recipient of the first Oklahoma Main Street Program Manager of the Year award. Abell has served as a “road warrior” at the National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C. and served clients spanning from Delaware to Alabama. She also serves on the Texas Downtown Association Board of Directors.
Connector: Ron Frantz, Director of Small Town Studios, OU Institute for Quality Communities
Frantz will share a case study of Chickasha, Oklahoma, and how community leaders are identifying local “anchors” and “connectors.” Additional biography for Ron Frantz. IQC worked with Chickasha on a Placemaking Strategy in 2019. Long known as a holiday destination for its Festival of Light, Chickasha also recently made the news for installing a 40-foot leg lamp inspired by ‘A Christmas Story.’
Anchor: Vanessa Morrison, Associate Director, OU Institute for Quality Communities
Morrison will share a discussion of the roles of these service businesses as community anchors., based on her experience with Rooted Barber + Shop and En Root Mobile Barbershop Company, Oklahoma City. Additional biography for Vanessa Morrison.
Panel: Small Town Mayors
Speakers will join a panel of small town mayors to discuss perspectives on anchors and connectors for success in small town development and design.
- Mayor Richard Larabee, Okmulgee, Oklahoma
- Mayor Randy Meyer, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
- Mayor Greg Labbe, Leadville, Colorado