Legacy Business Programs: Emerging Directions
PAS Memo 109
By Elizabeth Morton
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Across North America, especially in rapidly growing communities, the public laments the demise of quirky, independent enterprises — the long-standing barbers, bakeries, and bookstores that have sustained a sense of place for generations. The issue is related to, but beyond the traditional scope of, both historic preservation and economic development agencies, and thus planners have had few tools available to promote or preserve these community institutions.
However, a growing number of U.S. communities are establishing legacy business programs — which range from simple documentation and marketing campaigns to technical assistance programs, grants, and incentives — to support and sustain these businesses. The field is developing rapidly, and the number and breadth of local initiatives is likely to grow significantly in the years to come.
This PAS Memo seeks to broaden planners' exposure to the concept and encourage planners, preservationists, and economic development officials to join forces in viewing authentic longstanding enterprises as critical components to further equity and economic prosperity.
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About the Author
Elizabeth Morton
<p>Dr. Elizabeth Morton is a D.C.-based planning educator and consultant, specializing in urban design and sustainability, commemoration, historic preservation and public art. She is on the faculty of George Washington University's Sustainable Urban Planning graduate program and has also taught at Virginia Tech's MURP program (in the National Capital Region) and the Universiy of the District of Columbia. </p><p>Dr. Morton has worked for a variety of arts and preservation organizations. She has particular expertise in commemoration, having authored reports on the topic for the National Capital Planning Commission, National Park Service, Trust for the National Mall, and Monument Lab. In her consulting work, she has also conducted studies for organizations including the World Bank, UNESCO, the Metropolitan Institute, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Urban Arts, and Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.</p><p>She has a special interest in promoting and supporting longstanding independent businesses and has spoken widely on legacy business initiatives. For APA she authored <a href="https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9227404/">Legacy Business Programs: Emering Directions </a>(2022) and <a href="https://www.planning.org/planning/2022/winter/how-to-help-black-owned-businesses-thrive/">How to Help Black-Owned Business Thrive</a> (2022). </p><p>Dr. Morton has a long track record of community service and leadership. She has been appointed to the Arlington County (VA) Planning Commission, the Arlington Public Art Committee, the McLean Revitalization Corporation, and numerous other advisory bodies. She has also served as an Expert Panel Member for the National Science Foundation and the Transportation Research Board.</p><p>Dr. Morton earned a Ph.D. (City Design & Development) from MIT, an MCRP (Housing & Real Estate) from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a B.A. (Art History and English) from Williams College.</p><p> </p>