As I noted in this space last week, The Line is proud to be one of the sponsors of what looks to be a remarkable week—May 6-10--of discussion and learning about one of the core issues this online magazine exists to highlight: the relationship between placemaking and economic development.

It actually goes a little deeper than that—next week's Placemaking Residency, keynoted by urbanist Katherine Loflin, is about how love turns into money. Specifically, how the things we love about our cities—and the lovable things we create--can become attractors of talent and drivers of growth so we can all thrive together, materially and in every other way.

Loflin was  Lead Consultant and National Expert on the Knight Foundation Soul of the Community Project 2008-2010, a revealing venture that asked people what attached them to the cities in which they lived. She'll be here next week addressing and participating in a whole range of get-togethers examining how we can take advantage of the things we love about our Cities to promote 21st-century development and prosperity.

The first of these confabs, co-organized by our own Dena Alspach and the Citizen's League, is an informal gathering to talk about making the Twin Cities a "talent magnet"--

Monday, May 6: Why Would I Work Here?

A discussion on attracting and retaining 21st-century talent in the Twin Cities with Katherine Loflin and State Demographer Susan Brower. Presented by Citizens League and The Line.

6:00–7:30 p.m. (Doors open 5:30 p.m.) at Honey, 205 E. Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. Cost: $10.

Here are the rest of the events that are open to the public. Many require registration, which you can do at the Residency web site here. The site also has a full event schedule.

Tuesday, May 7: Town Talk: Placemaking and Business

A discussion of the impact of intentional placemaking on your business. Leaders in Minneapolis and Saint Paul have long recognized the importance of building strong, accessible, and vibrant urban cores. Chamber Town Talk will focus on placemaking best practices, the economic benefits of place attachments, corporate and community engagement in the process, and connecting the dots over a long period of time. Presented by Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Hennepin Theatre Trust.

8:00–9:30 a.m. at Jax Café, 1928 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis. Cost: $25 for chamber members; $30 for nonmembers.

Tuesday, May 7: The Business Case for Place

Business, community, and arts leaders will gather at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts to discuss the economic imperative for optimizing place. Presented by Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

4:00–6:00 p.m. at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul. Limited space. For more information and/or to RSVP, contact [email protected]

Tuesday, May 7: Soul of the Community Walkability Workshop: Prospect Park

How does the walking experience affect our investment in our communities? Dr. Loflin and the District Councils Collaborative will take you on a walk through the Prospect Park district, stopping along the way to discuss what they are seeing and experiencing with an eye toward immediate opportunities. Presented by District Councils Collaborative and Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation.

7:00–9:00 p.m. at Textile Center, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis. Cost: Free.

Wednesday, May 8: Measuring and Understanding Place: A Discussion with Katherine Loflin

Participants will dig into the methodology of measuring attachment to place and how placemaking relates to other important social and economic outcomes. Dr. Loflin will discuss how placemaking is being monitored in other communities and participants will consider possible avenues for further understanding attachment to place here in Minnesota. Presented by Wilder Research/Minnesota Compass.

8:30–10:30 a.m. (Registration at 8:00 a.m.) at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul. Limited space. For information and/or to RSVP, contact: [email protected]

Wednesday, May 8: Soul of the Community Walkability Workshop:  Little Mekong

How does the walking experience affect our investment in our communities? Dr. Loflin and the District Councils Collaborative will take you on a walk through the Little Mekong district, stopping along the way to discuss what they are seeing and experiencing with an eye toward immediate opportunities. Presented by District Councils Collaborative and Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation.

4:30–6:30 p.m.at Mai Village, 394 University Avenue West, Saint Paul. Cost: Free.

Thursday, May 9: 19th Annual Great River Gathering

Dr. Loflin is the keynote speaker at the 19th Annual Great River Gathering. The 19th Annual Great River Gathering brings together citizens, artists, policy makers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, elected officials, and philanthropists from all walks of life to celebrate the best of Saint Paul. Presented by Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation.

5:00–8:30 p.m. at Saint Paul RiverCentre’s Grand Ballroom, 175 Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul. Cost: $65 per ticket / $650 per table of 10.

Friday, May 10: What Do We Want To Do Next?

What lessons can we take away from the residency? What worked well? What didn’t? And how can we maximize our placemaking efforts for economic success? Presented by Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation.

11:00 a.m.--1:00 p.m. Location TBD. Space is limited; RSVP required. Email Patrick Seeb to RSVP: [email protected]