The Connective Corridor is a nationally recognized example of university engagement.  When prestigious organizations like CEOs for Cities talk about best practices, or scholarship is published on the role of a university as an anchor institution, Syracuse University is typically among a handful of universities to be frequently cited.

Inspire and connect:   That’s the goal of The Connective Corridor, a $42.5 million revitalization project that, together with the SALT District of the Near Westside, is reshaping the face of the City through new urban spaces and streetscapes, bike and pedestrian paths, public art, parks and landscapes, green infrastructure, façade improvements, historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization, signage and branding, and events programming.  The Corridor is a linear stage that connects University Hill with downtown Syracuse, providing a platform for interaction between the campus and an engaged creative community.  And, it is collaboration that strengthens the education experience, as well as the community.

Over the next few months, the Syracuse community will see more cranes over the City and more orange construction zones along streetscapes than it has seen in more than 30 years.  Public funding secured through Syracuse University, in partnership with the City of Syracuse, is helping catalyze $200 million in additional new investments in major private sector projects through the Connective Corridor, Near Westside and Central Business Districts.  It’s a great example of leveraging public and private dollars and “thinking forward” – the notion that an anchor institution should harness its long-term, place-based assets, in combination with its human and intellectual resources, to improve its city and region.

There’s no doubt we’re seeing change take place, and people are noticing.  Syracuse was just named one of the 20 best performing U.S. cities by Business Insider, based on data from the Brookings Institution.  And Syracuse University was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction – recognizing work done by more than 10,000 students and 500 faculty and staff involved in community engagement during the last academic year.

Change.  It starts with a bold vision, a thousand small steps … and an inspired, connected community.