Downtown Bracket Challenge

Bracket Challenge delivers a process to support shared community visions implemented in the short term as a tangible outcome but with the potential to help communities visualize permanent installations as part of a longer-term effort and vision.

Bracket Challenge uses a bracket reminiscent of sports tournaments, such as that utilized during March Madness (basketball) and various World Cup or Olympic Games (soccer, archery, etc.). The widely understood bracket format is an innovative way to harness engagement in a project while keeping it place-based.

It can be challenging to attract foot traffic to downtown spaces. Sprawling developments have bypassed our downtowns and created empty spaces. However, creative efforts and excitement have drawn attention back to Main Streets and the core of towns and communities. Bracket Challenge shows how to use placemaking in a smaller community to make it more relevant, interactive, and even competitive. By allowing residents to vote on their favorite placemaking activity by donating items to local nonprofits, residents can be engaged in decision-making and feel good about helping their neighbors.

• Timeframe to Build: 2 Days

• Timeframe for Activity: 1 Week+

• Cost range: $500

• PPS attributes: Community Engagement, Downtown Revitalization