Turning Spaces into Places
Led by the belief that it takes a village to build dynamic and resilient places, the Placemaker Lab is an 8-month long series of gatherings and workshops focused on supporting local communities and the people working on a stronger North San Joaquin Valley.
Produced as a collaboration between North Valley Thrive, UC-Merced and numerous community partners, this exciting program connects national thought leaders and local doers, neighborhood advocates, government staff and elected officials, businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs to explore bold ideas and strengthen collaborations across the region.
What is Placemaking?
A vacant lot sits quietly in a neighborhood, just space that is unnoticed and unused. Over time, people begin to gather, add a bench, paint a mural, and host a small market. The space starts to carry stories, memories, and meaning. It becomes a place. This transformation is placemaking, the act of shaping environments with intention, care, and community at the center. And anyone who helps make that shift happen, whether it is the mayor, the city’s planning director, an event producer, an economic developer, a neighbor, an artist, or a local business, is a placemaker.
Why this matters now:
Merced and North San Joaquin Valley are at a pivotal moment. With new investment, a growing university, and momentum in downtown revitalization, there is real opportunity to shape what comes next.
Placemaker Lab brings in colleagues who have done this work firsthand—revitalizing downtowns, building destination economies, and creating spaces that bring communities together. They are here to share real-world lessons and help us shape our community.
Program Overview
Community Idea Exchange
Dynamic, day-long gatherings open to the public where local doers, leaders and community members connect with national experts to explore bold ideas, share local insights, and spark collaborations that move North San Joaquin Valley communities forward.
Community Seminars
Through evening 1.5-hour public workshops and online sessions that offer platforms for local residents and community leaders to come together to shape the future of the North San Joaquin Valley guided by proven strategies and real-world case studies from communities across the country.
What To Expect:
Free public speaker series
Real-world strategies you can apply locally
Connections across communities in the North Valley
In-person sessions are held at UC Merced on Main in Downtown Merced
Be part of what’s next- whether you’re a business owner, student, resident, or civic leader, this is your invitation to help shape the future of Merced and the North Valley.
Join the Lab. Stay connected. Be part of the momentum.
