September 17
Placemaker Lab: Community Seminars
Building Block by Block: Empowering Local Developers
Bernice Radle and Monte Anderson, Neighborhood Evolution
Time
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location
UC Merced on Main, 1635 M St, Merced
Thriving neighborhoods don’t happen by accident—they grow from their history, culture, and the people who call them home. This workshop explores how incremental, context-sensitive development can strengthen the social and economic fabric of a community while honoring its identity.
Participants will learn how small-scale, locally driven projects can create lasting value without displacing character or community. Through practical tools and real-world examples, the session highlights strategies for empowering residents, supporting local entrepreneurs and developers, and aligning reinvestment with neighborhood history and vision.