Reimagining Vacant Spaces: Creative Placemaking in Communities

Vacant lots, empty storefronts, and underutilized corridors exist in every community. Each represents untapped potential. This session, presented at the 2026 America in Bloom Symposium, explores how communities of all sizes can transform overlooked spaces into vibrant, economically productive and socially connected places. Learn how beautification, environmental stewardship, and strategic partnerships can convert vacant spaces into opportunity. Get practical, low-cost activation strategies, tools for building cross-sector collaboration, and ideas for temporary-to-permanent initiatives. Leave inspired and equipped to reframe vacant spaces not as liabilities, but as catalysts for resilience, community pride, and sustainable growth. Learn more.