Market Cities Program — Project for Public Spaces

Market Cities

Imagine a world
where everyone has
the opportunity to
shape public spaces.

Imagine a world where everyone has the opportunity to shape public spaces.

Successful public markets help build communities rooted in well-being and equitable opportunity. The Market Cities Program strengthens the regional systems behind the market stalls, connecting and supporting a diverse set of stakeholders through research, specialized training, and a network of peers.

Connect with US

What if every city had a public market strategy?

Toronto, Canada

Mercats dels Encants, Barcelona, Spain

Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada

Market Cities Network

The Market Cities Network is the first international forum for markets of all kinds and the people committed to their success. This initiative brings together market operators, NGOs, funders, researchers, and more to create stronger and more resilient communities.

How to Create Successful Markets

In this training course, participants learn the essentials for creating and maintaining a thriving public market that is economically sustainable, maximizes community benefits, and welcoming to a broad diversity of people.

International Public Markets Conference

Since 1987, Project for Public Spaces has hosted 10 editions of the International Public Markets Conference, drawing together an international group of 400 leaders from all kinds of markets as well as strategic partners in the fields of public health, community development, food systems, and public policy.

Technical Assistance

With over three decades of experience, our team revitalizes and plans new markets through design and management plans, feasibility analysis, and customized training, and produces citywide and regional public market strategies.

Resource Library

The Market Cities Program curates this wide-ranging hub for research related to public markets, covering topics from developing a market network to resilience planning and infrastructure to diversifying access to economic opportunity.

SDG Alignment

Our goals align with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Program contributes to global public health, livelihoods, and equity outcomes.

Articles

Why We Need Market Cities

Seven Principles for Becoming a Market City

Reflections on the 12th International Public Markets Conference

Berryessa Flea Market: Q&A with Roberto Gonzalez Ortiz

Aleppo’s Soul Restored: How a Market Became a City’s Heartbeat (Again)

Explore Four Emerging Trends at the 12th International Public Markets Conference

Publications

More Publications

Toward Market Cities: Lessons on Supporting Public Market Systems From Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto

Toward Market Cities: Lessons on Supporting Public Market Systems From Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto

Making Your Market a Dynamic Community Place

Making Your Market a Dynamic Community Place

Farmers Markets as a Strategy to Improve Access to Healthy Food for Low-Income Families and Communities

Farmers Markets as a Strategy to Improve Access to Healthy Food for Low-Income Families and Communities

SNAP/EBT at Your Farmers Market: Seven Steps to Success

SNAP/EBT at Your Farmers Market: Seven Steps to Success

Toward Market Cities: Lessons on Supporting Public Market Systems From Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto

Toward Market Cities: Lessons on Supporting Public Market Systems From Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto

Making Your Market a Dynamic Community Place

Making Your Market a Dynamic Community Place

More Publications

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Contact Us

Want to unlock the potential of public markets in your community? Get in touch!

inquiries@pps.org or 212.620.5660