Place-based models encourage collaborative and integrated approaches to make holistic improvements to the physical and civic/social environment. In contrast to traditional top-down program delivery models, place-based models use local facilitation to identify and bring resources to the entire community consistent with neighborhood-level priorities. While both models are useful, for individuals who live in lower-income areas and are committed to addressing complex issues, such as business development, jobs creation, and affordable housing, place-based approaches have demonstrated to have certain advantages.
Another key component of a place-based model is that it builds upon the unique features of a community and existing physical and social assets. By strengthening an area’s local identity and reinforcing cross-sector relationships, the capacity of the community to tackle the inevitable challenges to reaching goals is also improved.
For decades, federal, state, and local governments have used place-based strategies for targeted resources. This page provides a number of links to information on on these strategies, including state-designated Enterprise Zones and Cultural Districts; federally-designated Opportunity Zones, Promise Zones, Empowerment Zones, and Enterprise Communities; and private sector initiatives such as the All-In Cities initiative sponsored by PolicyLink.
Promise Zones