Measuring Placemaking Impacts: A Handbook for Project Evaluation

Placemaking is a popular approach to creating or fostering appealing, livable communities. This book addresses the critical gap in placemaking evaluation by providing methodologies and practical tools for developing holistic and consistent approaches to measuring the impacts of placemaking projects. The authors integrate history and theory of placemaking and evaluation with the practice of reporting the impacts of unique and individual placemaking projects to stakeholders, enhancing public accountability and transparency. Chapters provide a comprehensive framework for designing evaluation systems tailored to various placemaking projects, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This book is essential for scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders of placemaking projects, and students in urban planning, urban design, and public administration courses.

B. Kathleen Gallagher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Texas Tech University where she teaches courses in public administration and nonprofit management. Her research explores how public and nonprofit organizations use community assets, like arts and culture, to make communities buzz.

Leigh Nanney Hersey is an Associate Professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe, specializing in public administration and nonprofit management. Her research bridges arts, culture, philanthropy, and public policy, focusing on how the arts foster community development and civic engagement. Dr. Hersey’s applied scholarship provides actionable insights to enhance the sustainability of the vibrant arts sector.