Places of Innovation: Think Big, Start Small, Act Locally

Many communities face complex, persistent challenges that cannot be solved through single programs or external solutions alone. Declining downtowns, underutilized assets, and other challenges demand an approach that is adaptive, people driven, and grounded in local strengths. A practical framework for community development that empowers residents, leverages existing assets, and advances small, result-oriented actions leading to lasting change is essential.

Local people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities are a community’s greatest asset. Instead of focusing on deficits, asset-based development seeks to build community capacity by exploring the attributes that make their communities unique that encourage local residents to act. Sustainable progress occurs when residents take ownership of their future and move intentionally from planning to action. Central to this idea is the cultivation of “sparkplugs”—local individuals who are energetic, optimistic, action-oriented, and committed to the common good. These residents lead small scale, visible projects that generate early wins, build confidence, and create momentum. Essentially, think big, start small, act locally—because doing nothing is not an option.

This presentation explores the ways that “sparkplugs” can change their communities for the better.

Speakers Expertise:

Chance L. McDavid rejoined the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University in February where he serves as project director in community development. Most recently, he spent more than four years as division director of community and rural development with the Mississippi Development Authority where he directed such programs as Aspire Mississippi, Asset Development, and Hometown Mississippi Retirement while serving on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Main Street Association and Mississippi Economic Development Council.

In addition to holding positions at Mississippi State over the past 20 years in extension and outreach with local, regional, and statewide responsibilities, he served as vice president and COO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

A Southwest Mississippi native from the Enterprise community in Lincoln County, Chance is a graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Mississippi State University, and The University of Southern Mississippi. He holds the distinction as a Chamber of Commerce nonprofit management professional and is a certified community and economic development professional. He lives in Clinton with his wife, Kayla, and three boys: Brayden, Trace, and Joshua.