A Proposal for a Vision of a Creative Community: A Draft for Continued Community Dialogue

By Ron Barnette

Dunedin and segments of Pinellas County are poised for a creative expansion; not with quantity, but with quality. But it will take creative visions from its leaders. The author Richard Florida has addressed this topic (The Rise of the Creative Class, The Flight of the Creative Class), and he speaks of three T’s: Technology, Talent and Tolerance. He is right…and Dunedin can be a pacesetter…for Dunedin and our surrounding area are positioned uniquely for the qualitative expansion into a creative, economically rich, magnificent community, as we build upon and respect our unique city’s wonderful charm and character. We already have the population density which is integral; we now need to couple this with energy and continued societal openness for innovation. In this proposal ‘white paper,’ I want to generate further thinking and dialogue about our City’s recent and productive visioning efforts, and the resulting report for our community (http://www.dunedingov.com/home.aspx?page=homesidebar/visioning),

commensurate with what Dunedin can become and for what it can be recognized for doing for ALL of our residents.

We are indeed a special community, and we need to preserve our uniqueness, however we change. And significant changes are occurring, which need ongoing, thoughtful proactive scrutiny, lest our City’s uniqueness and character be compromised negatively. I realize that this piece is only a brief synopsis of what lies beneath my thoughts, inspired by ongoing community input, but it is meant to serve as a catalyst for thought and positive future action. Part I outlines the conceptual approach; Part II summarizes four key convergences for promoting and realizing the expanded vision, as these ‘pillars’ are continuously developed and enhanced.

I welcome your continued, valued input for this process, as you reflect on these thoughts. As a candidate for an open two-year seat on the Dunedin City Commission in the March, 14, 2006 election, it is important that I share and work to refine ideas for the enrichment of our wonderful community. Thank you for your thoughts, as I encourage your email comments and input at ronbarnette@tampabay.rr.com. I pledge to respect your privacy, and will never send you uninvited spam, nor share your email address. My interest is purely for your valued input.

Part I

PEOPLE are how creative community economies develop in densely populated areas, often more, ironically, than new business and industry, although a welcome business climate is central, which I support and enthusiastically work for throughout Dunedin. Wonderful living arrangements, climate, and quality of life attract innovative, creative people. And of course, affordable, attainable housing is needed to attract energetic people who wish to locate in our city, which is becoming more difficult. Technology enrichment breeds a desire to relocate, and innovative, well-educated people follow and lead technology, as they do in the arts, entertainment, science, and new entrepreneurs. Diversity of lifestyles is important, and the furtherance of a diverse community demonstrates openness and welcomed tolerance. A creative community capitalizes on local resources for enhancing creative people who relocate for, and who also develop, technology-based, arts-based, and entrepreneurs’ work and enrichment. Science and technology-related businesses are low-impact, and should be promoted in tandem with a creative community’s quality of life.

VIGOROUSLY promote the arts and culture, science and technology; encourage and expand outside restaurant seating; focus on our award-winning pedestrian-friendly community; preserve a crucial automobile/pedestrian balance in downtown and elsewhere; promote the creation of projects for public art in community places; enhance the best and diverse community activities, for benefit to all, with the pride of Dunedin’s wonderful volunteerism accomplishments; and

BROADCAST the message loud and clear, as the city showcases its emphasis on innovation, technology and the arts and humanities in a community rich with natural and human resources and diverse benefits of tolerance and a welcomed friendliness. Some 30% of our nation’s workforce---over 40 million people---comprise the creative workforce in our country, which is fast becoming the engine of economic change with those who seek to live and prosper in creative communities such as our delightful Dunedin.

By creating a vibrant environment where creative people thrive, the economic benefits will expand exponentially. Dunedin has all it will take to make this a reality, as its rich quality of life is already in place. I know, for that is precisely why I, and my wonderful wife Candy, re-located here several years ago for our permanent residence…and I consider myself to be a creative contributor to our wonderful community! And as I and others speak with those who share these values, it is apparent that they seek a community such as Dunedin’s as well. Let our city’s message resonate to those creative and friendly, Dunedin-like-minded people out there, who hunger for a quality community for their own lives, families and innovative workplaces. And let us all make the commitment to seize the opportunity, done well with the creative vision of Dunedin.

As examples of how communities are addressing the creative community concept, here are some websites:

From Memphis, Tennessee: www.colettaandcompany.com/public/talentmagnet/Final_TalentMagnetReportv4.pdf

And, of course, from Silicon Valley (where FEW affordable housing opportunities exist!):

www.creativeclass.org/acrobat/ci_creative_index.pdf

And from my hometown in Laguna Beach, California, where creative arts abound with quality of life and local economic benefits for all its citizens and businesses:

http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/arts/commission/culturalplanb2001a.htm

Part II

Four Pillars for Dunedin’s Future Magnificence: Convergences for a Robust, Creative Community

TOURISM: a convergence of guests

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY: a convergence of a creative economy

ARTS, CULTURE AND DIVERSITY: a convergence of talent and opportunity

CREATIVE RETIREMENT: a convergence of a new generation

In an area of Pinellas county which is literally a paradise peninsula, Dunedin is in a position of national attention and envy for the Pinellas county beaches and recreation:

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/

And Dunedin is positioned well, from what the city has done, to become the envy of creative communities for immense quality of life and economic development, if carried out responsibly. The key is to think large and creatively, and to realize the magnificent potential we have in Dunedin. This brings me to what I call the ‘Four Pillars for Dunedin’s Future Magnificence.’ Let me describe briefly each of these pillars, and show their convergences for Dunedin’s potential community QUALITY growth and expansion. I am reminded of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said something which is germane: “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn,” and Dunedin’s creative ‘acorn’ is ready to plant.

Tourism

One needs only to read the message and watch the video at Dunedin’s Chamber of Commerce website for a showcase of a tourism delight, for our world-wide guests:

http://www.dunedin-fl.com/why.htm#

And read the article in Southern Living:

http://www.dunedin-fl.com/solivingarticle.htm

Our community’s vast resources are showcased with much information, and Dunedin’s downtown treasures are prominent with our Downtown Merchants:

http://www.delightfuldunedin.com/

And with Pinellas County’s website for local tourism opportunities, we have an incredible range of opportunities and excitement for visitors to our area:

http://www.floridasbeach.com/attractions/

Our community is a magnet for world-wide guests who seek the best in what tourism and quality of life has to offer, as they taste the richness of what our magnificent Dunedin has to offer.

Commerce and Industry

I spoke earlier about the importance of a creative community for attracting commerce in technology, science, arts and culture. Dunedin is poised for this expansion. First, as a friendly, community-centered outreach effort, Dunedin’s City Website needs to represent a ‘Virtual City of Dunedin,’ for interactive business conducted, where all can conduct transactions totally online, for their convenience 24x7. I have been volunteering and assisting our city with this project, I might add, and anticipate an exciting and interactive website, as I urge this vital asset. Here are a couple of examples, from Tampa, Florida and Long Beach, California:

http://www.tampagov.net/

http://www.longbeach.gov/plan/on_line_services/online_permitting/default.asp

This is important for our city’s progressive presence, as Dunedin attracts a new workforce and residency in our creative community. Additionally, and in concert with Dunedin’s unique city-wide WiFi plan, I am vigorously promoting free WiFi Zones in the community. Being a wireless community also means being prepared for hurricane emergencies, when phone and utility lines are not functioning! Witness the horrific examples in Louisiana and Florida during the past two years….wireless opportunities mean ongoing communication, after all!

The author I mentioned earlier, Richard Florida, often cites Carley Fiorina, former CEO at Hewlett Packard, telling America's governors, "Keep your tax incentives and the like, just give us talent. We will go where the highly skilled people are." This shares a keen message to focus on when attracting creative PEOPLE, who lead all segments of a growing community in their quest for a quality of life. For it is PEOPLE who make and sustain a community, and whose talents enrich it, especially in the broad areas of technology and the arts, which enrich a community in its economy and its quality of life. And be reminded that this enrichment does not cost taxpayers anything new! It’s about quality advancement.

I mentioned earlier that some 30% of our workforce---over 40 million people---comprise the creative workforce in our nation, which is fast becoming the engine of economic change with those who seek to live and prosper in creative communities. Let us reflect on this for Dunedin’s potential. This is a critical measure of where the best, brightest, and most talented are re-locating, especially in an area like ours. Remember that quality jobs and economic develop follow creative people, who attract others, as this process continues. ‘People first…then comes the viable industry,’ is the creative watchword, as others are learning. After all, Pinellas county is Florida’s west coast entry to the Florida High Tech Corridor, established by the Florida State Legislature, at http://www.floridahightech.com/

Arts, Culture and Diversity

The artistic and cultural milieu in a creative community is its heartbeat, as creative people desire to enrich themselves with, and contribute to, the arts and humanities. A space that is alive with human passion is a place where ideas thrive and dreams and visions are born and realized. Dunedin and its area are filled with a richness of arts and culture that is a true blessing for those who long for these. Yet much more is needed to celebrate this, as creative communities know well, as it is known that all area residents benefit from arts and cultural events and celebrations, qualitatively and economically. Websites on Dunedin’s area arts and culture abound with possibilities for the spirit of this adventure, including:

http://dfac.org/

http://www.newworldcelts.org

http://www.pinellaslife.com/WGP/FL/Dunedin/Art/Index.htm

http://www.funtampabay.com/tampabayculturallinks.htm

http://www.creativetampabay.com/

Diversity of culture and lifestyle is a central element in a creative, prosperous community, and the facts demonstrate this. The diversity indexes that Richard Florida discusses are, in fact, better indicators of economic health than are traditional measures, surprisingly to many. This is very interesting. Cities that are open to artists and alternative lifestyles, groups traditionally marginalized by the mainstream, are cities where rich economic growth and quality of life for all residents flourish and where wealth is generated. “People now want to live in a city of diversity,” Florida claims, for “Creativity is the great equalizer. The task is to mobilize this creativity. But the transformation from an industrial to a creative economy is the biggest change...” And he has many cities which attest to this creative and economic growth, which have preserved their community’s integrity and special vision. Ideas and talents flow in creative communities, as a myriad of community events are planned and showcased for all residents, where all are welcomed in the celebration of the community’s unique opportunities.

A thoughtful message for Dunedin’s expanded vision, as I learn and discuss, is to actively recruit creative people, who bring to the community the talent for an explosive and rich development of the arts and other creative endeavors, especially in technology and science. Creativity thrives in a diverse community landscape. Yet this recruitment signals a great need for an equally creative approach to enhance affordable housing, and many approaches can be taken, including those akin to what creative university campuses have done to provide and enrich affordable university housing in high-tech and living arts communities, where residents literally invest their energies in helping to adorn their unique, affordable living spaces. With the blessing of earnest dialogue, which I earnestly encourage, many wonderful opportunities exist for affordable living spaces in our community, as many communities have done. We enjoy these opportunities, which I intend to promote for the betterment of Dunedin.

Creative Retirement

Retirement in this emerging age of the onslaught of baby boomers is going to revolutionize communities’ thinking about the nature of retirement. In fact, the very concept of retirement is undergoing change as a result of our rapidly evolving post-career baby-boomer planning, values and thinking.

An interesting piece appeared in the AARP Journal in 2001, which looked at these newly emerging trends. I excerpted some important sections:

“Although people of all ages are involved in this phenomenon, there is one segment that is really redefining aging and retirement, just as they have redefined every other life stage they have passed through---the 77 million people we call "Baby Boomers."….Boomers---those born between 1946 and 1964---are a large part of American society. And because of their size, their economic influence and their attitude towards life, this group is not just changing retirement. They are revolutionizing it.…The most fundamental change in the concept of retirement is that it is likely to involve work. Our research shows that 80 percent of Boomers expect to continue working in some form past the age of 65---either for the money or for the fun of it. Many will start their own businesses. Others will work part-time. Still others will reinvent themselves and begin new careers, sometimes in order to give something back. This has implications for virtually every part of society: education, government, corporate America, the nonprofits, and religious institutions.”

In 2005, we saw that over 88 million baby boomers are beginning, or are about to begin, retirement, and an overwhelming segment seek to live in what I have characterized as a creative community; conclusion: Dunedin needs to actively promote its ‘Creative Retirement Community’ image, with specifics. The opportunity for such a wealth of professionals and experienced, successful people will indeed be an expansive opportunity for our creative community’s future. What a wonderful mix of talent to draw upon!

General comments:

As we can become the innovative, technologically-enabled community which I support (as important for a creative community), and which we are doing with a WI-FI community connection, and with our anticipated, enhanced web-interactive website (which I have assisted and volunteered with), I plan to insist, for responsible planning and deliberation, as your commissioner, that visual computer modeling accompany any architectural plans submitted for the downtown and coastal development. Computer models create a visual virtual reality of how the broader proposed site would look, for all to see. And I want to add this component in such planning, commensurate with our community vision. 'Vision' is more than words....let's all take a look at what such plans in downtown and coastal proposals LOOK like, in the broader visual context. And then for other areas, as our creative community concept is enriched for the City’s expanded vision. I want to be proactive for ALL segments of our town. And further, with emphasis: we need to INSURE that the final project LOOKS LIKE the plan approved; for accountability is critical. ‘What you see is what you get!’ needs to be the norm, and Codes need to reflect this language. Otherwise, community development planning is only hypothetical, which is unacceptable for Dunedin’s stated community vision, which is my guide, without a personal agenda.

On my mission I have met with representatives of our nearly 10% of city residents who live in mobile home parks. There are at least nine such parks; how many know this? They have major concerns for their futures, as we talk about affordable housing. As a result, I am very concerned about how 'rezoning' in Pinellas County can often become 'eviction' for many. I seek to know more concerns and opportunities, which address another aspect of my affordable housing platform. Zoning visions and realities can become affordable housing realities, when thoughtfully enacted, and mobile home residents need support and respect from our leadership, to which I am committed.

Further, as Dunedin’s wonderful downtown has been enriched, which I will continue to support forcefully, ALL areas of the community need to enjoy the Vision of our City, especially the historical Dunedin Causeway Community and area, which is a gateway to our town and which serves to invite people to our wonderful beaches and award-winning state parks. The Causeway’s vision is integral to Dunedin’s vision, and its residents deserve the highest respect in this effort, which I pledge to enhance with their community concerns. This is a time to enhance and expand the community vision and commitment, with respectful dialogue with those people who live and know best their neighborhoods and workplaces. And the same goes for Dunedin’s important Southside community, whose needs and interests deserve respect and continued support, as our expanded vision embraces the entire community. Dunedin is a vibrant community, and all segments of our wonderful city comprise the treasured fabric of our unique town.

I have outlined four, key convengences as the pillars for Dunedin’s creative community future. My goal is the address each, with your support. I am convinced that our community can become a model of success for all.

Please join me in the creative adventure…write me at

ronbarnette@tampabay.rr.com

as we discuss and plan for Dunedin’s creative community future.

Reason, Responsibility and Representation are my three-R’s, as I work hard for your support in my campaign. Thank you.

Ron

www.ronbarnette.com/commish.htm