​American Agora

About the Program

American Agora is designed for city and neighborhood centers aspiring to transcend the typical American main street or central business district.

Inspired by the agoras of ancient Greece, we view the heart of a city as more than a physical space—it is a cultural, spiritual, commercial, and social stage where humanity thrives.
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This program partners with area managers, anchor institutions, and municipalities to draw insights from the most successful central districts across the U.S. and globally. Together, we work to enhance the center’s offerings, creating a vibrant platform for economic inclusion, social cohesion, community well-being, and democratic engagement.

Program Components

Explore Agoras
Learn from historic and modern agoras, uncovering what makes them vibrant cultural, social, and economic hubs.

​Map Existing Assets
Identify the strengths, resources, and stakeholders already shaping your center.

Elevate Existing Players
Amplify the contributions of current businesses and organizations to create a thriving, interconnected hub.

​Address Gaps
Identify what’s missing and develop plans to attract and recruit new elements.

Design Your Agora
Create a detailed map and year-round calendar of programs and events.

​Share Your Story
Celebrate and promote your agora’s revival through our communication channels.

​Set Clear Goals
Define measurable goals to ensure your agora serves its community purposefully.