In this episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast Deb Brown, co-founder of SaveYour.Town, talks about her work in rural community and economic development. She explains how inclusive community engagement through activities like vacant building tours and seeking input from all community members, including youth, can generate excitement and ideas. Deb also emphasizes the power of testing small ideas, gathering community involvement, and taking small steps to build momentum. Her approach focuses on positivity, storytelling, and empowering community members to create grassroots change.

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Special Guest: Deb Brown.

Sponsored By:

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Links:

• Tour of Empty Buildings | Deb Brown | TEDxBrookings - YouTube — Communities of any size have the potential to turn empty spaces into vibrant hubs. In this innovative talk, Deb Brown shares how a tour of empty buildings have transformed her community and how similar efforts can be used in our own communities.
• Deb Brown from SaveYour.Town and Mayor Sharon Frerichs talk about Akron, Iowa - YouTube — Deb was in Akron two years ago for an Embedded Community Experience. Watch as Sharon and Deb discuss all the wonderful things that have occurred since that visit. Attitude in town kicked off all the small steps and projects started by lots of people.
• Developing Resilient Communities Idea Friendly Method Limestone Bluffs RCD - YouTube
• #SMTULSA SIX STEPS TO WORKING BIGGER with Deb Brown - YouTube
• Deb & Becky Keynote End of Rural X - YouTube
• Workspace Discussion - How Do You Start One? - YouTube
• Innovative Rural Business Models - YouTube
• Five Cheap Downtown Placemaking Ideas - Building Possibility
• Christmas tree lights don't always have to be matchy matchy in your downtown - Building Possibility
• Do we rebuild? - Building Possibility
• Thursday with Townsel in Letcher County, KY - Building Possibility
• Advice to those working in small towns - Building Possibility
• Small Towns or Big Cities? - Building Possibility
• Successful economic development involves the arts - Building Possibility
• 3 Ways to Make Small Towns Successful: Get the practical steps to Beautification, Good Leaders and Keeping Your Youth - Building Possibility
• Are you living in a small town? - Building Possibility
• East Kentucky Jackson County and Grayson, KY - Onsite visit wrap up by Deb Brown of SaveYour.Town - YouTube
• Iowa Ideas In-Depth: New Idea to action - YouTube
• Small Town Specialist - YouTube
• 2021 WRP Summit IDEA FRIENDLY TOWN - YouTube