by Sandy Messner
Marketing & Communications Director
The Mansfield Rising 2.0 plan is here, bringing renewed energy and fresh ideas to continue transforming our community. Since 2018, Mansfield Rising has driven investment, improved quality of life, and inspired a new wave of leadership. With the support of an anonymous donor, a new cohort attended South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2024, returning with innovative strategies to build on this progress.
A More Rigorous Approach in 2024
The original Mansfield Rising initiative was an experiment; fifteen local leaders were sent to SXSW with the challenge of returning home and creating a plan for community transformation. The results spoke for themselves, with major projects like the Main Street Improvement Project, community branding efforts, and development incentive grants attracting over $19 million in investment. But with time comes change, and as Mansfield Rising evolved, the need to bring in new voices and perspectives became clear.
In 2024, an anonymous donor recognized the impact of the original initiative and saw an opportunity to keep the momentum alive. They made a simple offer…send a second group to SXSW, let them experience the same inspiration, and see what ideas they bring back. The process was more structured this time, with the original Mansfield Rising members selecting and mentoring the next cohort. The new team came from diverse backgrounds, industries, and life experiences, representing the full spectrum of the Mansfield community. They trained together, developed and refined their ideas, and ultimately pitched their projects to a room filled with community stakeholders, determined to make a difference.
Meet the 2024 SXSW Team
The 2024 cohort represents a new generation of community builders, each bringing their own passion and expertise to Mansfield Rising 2.0. Kris Beasley, Principal of Mansfield Senior High School, works every day to prepare students for the future and understands the importance of opportunity for young people. Jennifer Beavis, Marketing Director for the Mansfield Art Center, has helped lead a cultural renaissance in Mansfield, using the arts to draw visitors and create economic impact. Braxton Daniels III, owner of 3rd Cup Tea, is both a business owner and an artist, blending creativity and commerce to activate downtown Mansfield. Mario Davison, a new officer with the Mansfield Police Department and former NECIC Finance Manager, has deep connections to the North End and a passion for community engagement.
Bringing a business and marketing mindset, Jessica Hiser, Director of Marketing and Advertising for Spherion Mid-Ohio, is a dedicated advocate for workforce and business growth. Nan McCartney, a graphic designer at K.E. McCartney & Associates, was instrumental in securing funding for the Main Street Improvement Project and continues to use her skills to support community development. Sandy Messner, Marketing & Communications Director at the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, has been a driving force behind the BrandRichland initiative and other economic development efforts. Finally, Orie Rush, an entrepreneur, musician, and artist, represents the voice of Mansfield’s young creatives, working to make the city a hub for innovation and artistic expression.
Together, this team embodies the spirit of Mansfield Rising, blending leadership, creativity, and community engagement to push the city forward. Their projects reflect not just big ideas, but real solutions that address challenges, spark growth, and improve the quality of life in Mansfield.
Mansfield Rising 2.0: New Projects Driving Change
Each of the new projects in Mansfield Rising 2.0 is designed to tackle a specific challenge and create long-term, meaningful impact. One of the biggest barriers for young people in Mansfield is simply getting to school. With one-third of Mansfield City Schools students facing attendance issues due to transportation challenges, a collaborative transportation initiative will provide a reliable option for getting to class, particularly in the winter months.
Mansfield’s housing market also faces a major hurdle; a lack of trained, local developers to take on new projects. To help address this, an Emerging Developers Accelerator will provide aspiring developers with mentorship and training, ensuring the next generation of homegrown talent is ready to take on housing development projects in the community. This effort aligns with a broader push to adopt Housing First principles, a proven approach to reducing homelessness by offering immediate housing solutions without preconditions, giving individuals and families the stability they need to build their futures.
Placemaking and public spaces remain at the heart of downtown revitalization efforts, and the Homage Project aims to reimagine Central Park, turning it into a more intentional and functional space for the entire community. This includes creating a new Mansfield Memorial Peace Garden to honor veterans, Legacy Park to celebrate the city’s Black history, and an improved New Central Park that can host art fairs, farmers markets, and other community gatherings. Another new addition to the downtown landscape will be a Pocket Park, providing a safe, engaging play area for families visiting the Carrousel District and Brickyard.
Recognizing the growing need for mental health resources, particularly for survivors of gun violence and trauma, another initiative will launch a Digital Trauma Support Resource, offering virtual and in-person support groups, AI-enabled chat tools, and event listings to help connect individuals with mental health services and community support.
Supporting creativity and economic growth, Mansfield Makes will establish a collaborative maker space where local artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs can create, experiment, and share resources, further strengthening the city’s creative economy.
Rounding out the list of projects is The Yard, a plan to activate underutilized spaces for sports and recreation. This multi-use community athletic hub will provide courts for basketball, soccer, and tennis, along with structured programs that encourage intergenerational mentorship, active lifestyles, and community engagement.
Be Part of Mansfield’s Future
The Mansfield Rising 2.0 plan is just the beginning—the real work starts now. These projects will only succeed with community engagement, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, a civic leader, or a resident who wants to see positive change, your input and participation matter. Stay tuned to Richland Source in March for in-depth stories about each project. Want to connect in person? Information about a public mixer will be released later this spring to explore these projects, share your thoughts, and find out how you can be part of Mansfield’s transformation.
📖 Read the full Mansfield Rising 2.0 plan here: Click to View
Mansfield is rising…again. Let’s build the future together!