About creating farmers markets...

Here is a question from someone interested in creating farmers markets:

I am working on putting together innovative ideas the City of Seattle can use to gain permanent land tenure for local farmers markets. Options I have researched include public and private parking lots, as well as public street closure.

What I wanted to know from you, is if there were any new and exciting ideas/programs you could direct me to regarding this issue of permanent farmers market locations.

Here is my first response:

Here are a few thoughts:

First, regarding the politics of the process.

Have you a CBO or six to work with? They can help manage the politics of the process as well as help identify locations.

Have you a champion in the City to work with?

Please note the City of Chicago has had regular farmers markets for 27 years, see their webpage at: http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=Farmers+Markets&entityNameEnumValue=184

One thing to keep in mind is how to allocate space in the markets that are created. There are a number of ways to allocate space, some of which encourage experimentation with vending. Space allocation is VERY important and much more can be said about it.

The options you identify are not bad, but a different type of site can promote other uses as well, like public art, music, more of a "gathering space" sort of feel.

More responses will follow later!