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IncDev Book Club: Why Place Matters

IncDev Book Club.

Exploring the ideas that shape community development. Join fellow community builders for an engaging exploration of how geography, culture, and economics intersect in place-based development.

Why Place Matters: Georgraphy, Identity and Civic Life in Modern America

Edited by: Ted McAllister and Wilfred McClay

Discussion Led by Ryan Terry, R+T Studios

ABOUT THIS DISCUSSION

Our inaugural Book Club session dives into the fundamental question of how place shapes opportunity, community, and economic development. "Why Place Matters" offers critical insights for anyone working in small-scale, community-centered development.

What We'll Explore: The relationship between geography and economic opportunity, how local culture influences development approaches, and practical strategies for place-based community building.

About the Facilitator: Ryan brings deep expertise in place-based development and community design. As founder of R+T Studios, he has worked with communities across the country to implement incremental development strategies that honor local context while building economic resilience.

WHY JOIN THE INCDEV BOOK CLUB?

  • Deep Learning: Go beyond surface-level discussions to explore the nuanced ideas shaping community development

  • Expert Facilitation: Learn from practitioners who are implementing these concepts in real communities

  • Network Building: Connect with like-minded developers working on place-based solutions across the country

  • Curated Reading: Discover essential texts that will deepen your understanding of incremental development

JOIN THE INCDEV COMMUNITY
Our Book Club is exclusive to IncDev members—practitioners, advocates, and supporters of incremental development who are building stronger, more resilient communities.

Become a member today!

GET THE BOOK

Available at your local library, bookstore or through bookshop.org HERE.

Contact

For more information or questions, please contact training@incrementaldevelopment.org