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Can Farmers’ Markets in Shrinking Cities Contribute to Economic Development? A Case Study from Flint, Michigan

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  • Victoria Morckel

    (Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USA)

  • Kathryn Colasanti

    (Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

We examine the extent to which the Flint Farmers’ Market produces positive spillover effects on nearby businesses in downtown Flint, Michigan. We care about spillover spending in shrinking cities like Flint because farmers’ markets may contribute to growth beyond their boundaries, and thus help to sustain their surrounding areas. We surveyed visitors of the Flint market to determine the percentage who spend downtown outside of the market, how much they spend, the demographic characteristics that predict spending, and the additional businesses that visitors would like to see in the downtown. We also interviewed downtown business owners and managers to capture their perspectives on the market, including whether its relocation in 2014 helped their businesses. This study differs from prior research on spillover effects because it uses a mixed-methods approach and it explores how the shrinking-city context affects market outcomes. Overall, we find that the Flint market has minimal impact on nearby businesses compared to markets in non-shrinking cities. We discuss the possible reasons why the Flint market under-performs, including potential visitor concerns about crime and a site design that does not promote walking to other destinations. We also discuss how these concerns (e.g., crime, walkability) stem from the shrinking-city context.

Suggested Citation

  • Victoria Morckel & Kathryn Colasanti, 2018. "Can Farmers’ Markets in Shrinking Cities Contribute to Economic Development? A Case Study from Flint, Michigan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:6:p:1714-:d:148752
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bi-Kun Tsai, 2019. "Determinants of Consumers’ Retention and Subjective Well-Being: A Sustainable Farmers’ Market Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-14, November.

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