Creative Cities
Our Mission
The mission of the Creative Cities Fund is to create a culture of innovation in economic development and public education.
Thinking Big Means Planning for Smart, Sustainable Growth
The Creative Cities Fund exists to help our community make the leap to become a visionary city that attracts thought leaders, creators, entrepreneurs and businesses alike.
We know making the leap takes time and planning. It requires creative ideas today and sustainable models for tomorrow. That’s why we look for smart, tangible opportunities to spur economic development and improve education in our community. They’re our building blocks for success.
The Creative Cities Fund is about innovation – backed by a solid business plan.
Who We Are
The Creative Cities Fund (CCF) was established in 2015 to drive innovation in economic development and education. CCF exists to help our community make the leap to become a visionary city that attracts leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike.
We know making the leap takes time and planning. It requires creative ideas today and sustainable models for tomorrow. That’s why we look for smart, tangible opportunities to spur economic development and improve education in our community. They are our building blocks for success.
The Creative Cities Fund (CCF) is an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 tax-empty organization.
Past Events
2013
Peter Kageyama, author, discussed placemaking and the importance of downtowns.
2015
Victor Dover, town planner, and urban designer, presented the importance of regional visioning.
This event inspired the creation of Launch2035, now Launch Regional Partnership.
2016
Mike Lydon, planner, discussed land use planning.
This event inspired the Singing River Trail.
2017
Andy Stoll, Kauffman Foundation, presented on entrepreneurship.
This event developed a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem study.
2018
Dr. James Garbarino, author, discussed the culture of public education.
This event funded mental health workshops and poverty simulations.
2019
The event raised $200,000 for local National Board Certified Teachers.
2020
Raise Your Hand Campaign
This started the goal to raise $1,000,000 for local National Board Certified Teachers (Completed in 2025).
2023
Affordable by Design: Workforce Housing For Creative Cities
Megan O’Hara, Urban Design Associates, presented innovative solutions for workforce housing highlight the opportunity with the Mill Creek redevelopment.
2024
Amanda Loper, architect, challenge our community to think bigger and more innovative in how we house people. Â
The event also celebrated the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood grant award.
2025
Beyond Boundaries:Â Reimagining Collaborative Regional Government
Wiley Blankenship, economic development professional, share insight on how Mobile and Baldwin Counties collaborated to solve regional problems. Â
Raise Your Hand
Raise Your Hand is a bold initiative to add 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) to Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County school systems. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Research shows that NBCTs increase student achievement, improve classroom management, and produce a higher return on investment for their schools.
Will You Raise Your Hand?
We’re a smart community. North Alabama has one of the highest concentrations of engineers and STEM professionals in the country. We should have the highest concentration of NBCTs in Alabama and among our peer cities nationwide.
Thank you for considering Creative Cities Fund for your generous donation.
Chair
Allison Ross
Our Members
- Susan Anderson, Community Leader
- Sam Barnes, Chief Technology Officer, SitusHawk
- Terri Bentley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
- Cindi Branham, NetFocus Marketing
- Hilary Claybourne, UAH SBDC/PTAC
- Sam Gillis, Software Engineering Branch Chief, US Army DEVCOM AvMC
- Leah Gradl, VP, Kent Companies
- Chris Hanback, The Ventis Group
- Andrew Jennings, Transcend
- Daniel Kasambira, United Way of Madison County
- Donna Lamb, Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate
- Kris McBride, Community Leader
- Joshua McCoy, Director, PFM
- Janice Migliore, PALCO
- Susan Ozment, Keller Williams
- Jeanne Payne, Cook Museum
- Tonya Thomas, License Partner, Engel and Volkers Huntsville