Vita Nuova is proud to support revitalization efforts in four new communities: Memphis, MO; Nashua, IA; Onaga, KS; and Firebaugh, CA. These efforts are part of a Small Town Coaching project to help small towns unlock the potential of underutilized properties and develop clear strategies for redevelopment.
Since 2021, Vita Nuova has led Small Town Coaching sessions that equip communities with practical tools to reimagine brownfield sites and revitalize their downtowns. Through four structured sessions over five months, local teams receive customized support to identify priority sites, develop reuse strategies, and explore funding and financing options. Between sessions, participants complete assignments that build on their progress and help maintain momentum.
Past communities, including Meadville, PA; Ravenswood, WV; Eatonville, WA; Port Townsend, WA; Eldora, IA; Caney, NE; and Bayard, KS, created actionable plans that reflect local priorities and conditions.
Each coaching process begins by helping the community define its goals and assess its challenges, including vacant or blighted properties that limit economic growth. We place a strong emphasis on the community’s priorities, ensuring that participants prioritize sites and generate reuse concepts aligned with market demand. A key focus is identifying viable funding strategies to support implementation that are aligned with the community’s vision.
By the final session, teams walk away with a roadmap for revitalization that includes defined next steps, a plan for maintaining momentum, and the confidence to move forward.
These new partnerships reflect our continued commitment to helping small towns move from challenge to opportunity through targeted technical assistance.