At FCS, our mission is to work alongside neighbors to see them flourish for generations. We want to see positive change that impacts whole communities, enacted with the partnership of neighbors. Economic development is a key part of that, and it can support neighbors’ self-discovery.
We’re not the only ones with that goal – many well-intentioned organizations work toward that end, too. However, we’ve seen our holistic approach toward economic development encourages not just increased resources…it also promotes self-discovery.
What is Economic Vitality?
We know that where folks live, indicated by their ZIP Code, is the single most important social determinant to their lives. Some people have easy access to abundant resources, while others may not. The reason for this disparity often has to do with place. Neighborhoods are ecosystems, and many have suffered the effects of disinvestment and discriminatory policy.
The ecosystem mentality is critical to anyone who wants to partner with neighbors in a meaningful way. Our reaction to systemic injustice needs to be holistic – taking the whole balance into consideration if we want to see change.You can’t heal an ecosystem by implementing a few tweaks, and you can’t encourage economic development by offering piece-meal solutions. Instead, we must take action alongside residents that considers the systems, structures, history, culture, and talent of the unique place.
We call this holistic vision of economic development seeking “economic vitality.” Economic vitality affords people the means to create their own vibrant local economy, neighborhood, and sustainable life.
Economic vitality isn’t just making sure people have a living wage or access to amenities, it’s about ensuring that people have the means to make their dreams come true – to express their culture, their vision, and their legacy in a sustainable way.
How Does Economic Vitality Impact Neighborhoods?
We want people to be able to create local wealth through economic development. However, economic vitality goes one step further by acknowledging that “local wealth” might mean different things or look different depending on the neighborhood.
Our work asks, “How do we reinvest in neighborhoods so that businesses have the ability and the motivation to offer what neighbors want and value?”
We want neighbors to have access to resources and investment so that they can determine the results for themselves. From there – the sky is the limit! Each neighborhood can experience a boost in wealth while retaining its individuality. Economic vitality results in a neighborhood that delights in its character. It has businesses people love. It has decor and colors that people prize. It centers gathering places where people want to go.
In this way, economic vitality offers a neighborhood the opportunity to self-define in a way that’s enjoyable and profitable. It’s a way for neighbors to start a journey of self-discovery.
What Does Economic Vitality Look Like?
We believe that once you reinvest in communities that have historically been cut off from resources, it’s critical to hand over the reins. We say we want neighbors to flourish, but that can look many different ways. We know that everyone needs access to some things – like housing and healthy food – but beyond that, the sky’s the limit.
When it comes to economic development, that means restoring access to capital, flinging the doors open to local entrepreneurs, and partnering with businesses that have been serving the community for years. An economically vital neighborhood is free to discover their own visions, tastes, and dreams through the local businesses they start.
At FCS, we encourage this process through partnerships with organizations like Start:ME, which incubates local entrepreneurs. These businesses reflect local tastes and the vibe and history of the neighborhood. We’ve seen this firsthand at Carver Market and Community Grounds – two businesses in South Atlanta started and run by neighbors. The upcoming 16 micro units for entrepreneurs will reflect the dream of people in South Atlanta and the economy they want to see.
We’d Love to Connect about Economic Development and Discovery
If you’re interested in learning more about FCS’ economic development pillar, we invite you to connect with us. Come out to Community Grounds or Carver Market and see how a vision of economic vitality can be revolutionary in a neighborhood. We’re so thankful for the generosity of our donors that kickstarts the vitality of South Atlanta neighbors.
