Years: 2025
2026 Project
KCCI’s 2026 Community Catalyst team are leading bold placemaking initiatives to add creativity and vibrancy back near local schools. Together, the team will work with schools, local leaders, and residents to restore pride, identity, and beauty in the nine neighborhoods that lost artistic crosswalks in 2025—by reimagining public spaces and developing a plan that brings art, connection, and vibrancy back to the neighborhoods.
Destination Murals
The team is also exploring ways to add at least one large-scale public art project to Tallahassee, which will serve as an economic driver. To date, they have identified an optimal location and a $30,000 private donor who will invest to help create an iconic, photogenic 2,700-square-foot public art installation. As Leon County’s largest public art installation, it would create an accessible year-round destination on the Southside, advancing the Southside CRA’s goals and South Monroe/South Adams and South City neighborhood goals.
To match $30,000 KCCI has secured from the private sector, KCCI is formally requesting $30,000 from the Southside CRA’s $12.4 million fund allocated for this year to support local artists. This match was recommended by CRA staff and the Southside CRA Advisory Committee during their review processes. KCCI’s request received unanimous approval from the Southside CRA Advisory Committee in January, and now moves forward for formal consideration by the CRA Board of Directors. This CRA investment will leverage private dollars and citizen engagement to pay local professional muralists to create the iconic art. The investment would boost an emerging small-business area, and requires no long-term maintenance from the CRA, while creating a visual draw that the public can enjoy very soon. One hundred percent of the funds requested from the CRA will support the local economy. This KCCI vision and project brings to life many of the goals mentioned in the South Monroe-South Adams Action Plan, Southside Action Plan, the South City Master Plan, the Southside CRA priorities and supports other Southside neighborhood goals.
Destination Murals = Proven Economic Impact
Examples of Cities Reaping the Economic Rewards
Detroit, MI
Murals increased foot traffic and supported small‑business growth, helping reposition neighborhoods as creative destinations.
Miami, FL (Wynwood)
Large‑scale murals transformed a warehouse district into a global arts hub, driving tourism, retail expansion, and hundreds of millions in economic activity. Read more here.
Cincinnati, OH
A nationally recognized mural program revitalized business corridors and is now part of an NEA study measuring increased commercial activity and street vitality.
Why This Matters for Tallahassee
1. Positive economic impact — murals attract visitors and increase time spent in the area
2. Public art strengthens civic pride and provides positive mental health benefits
3. Creative placemaking supports local businesses
4. A destination mural in this location will position Downtown and the Southside as cultural destinations and create an additional feature along an emerging artistic corridor.
The Team
This year’s team is working to reclaim the spirit of Tallahassee through creativity and collaboration using placemaking tools. KCCI team members include:
Laura Barrett, Tetra Tech; Karen Brooks, Capital City Bank; Chris Carlberg, Florida State University; Alex Delgado, Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency; Shannon Devine, Academy Travel (Independent Contractor), Lori Elliott, Capital City Bank; Carla Juarez Farley, KPMG; Ryan Kline, Tallahassee Web Design; Tangela Lofton, Florida SBDC at FAMU; Holly McPhail, Windwood Communications; Mary McVicar, McV Tax; Pamela Monroe, Leon County Public Library; Tena Pate, Tena Pate and Associates, LLC; Chris Petley, Leon County Schools; Nicole Spina, Architects Lewis + Whitlock; Sam Varn, Retired (Awards4U).