MUD Workshop

Design + Planning


Obama SC2 Challenge: Downtown Hartford




The Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2) Visioning Challenge under the Obama Administration brought together research, local partnerships, and community knowledge to outline practical steps for strengthening downtown Hartford’s economic base. The process built a foundation of local partnerships, a shared vision for revitalization, and an actionable set of community-backed strategies to strengthen Downtown Hartford’s identity and economic future.

ProjectObama SC2 Challenge: Downtown Hartford

LocationHartford, CT

ClientEconomic Development Administration

CollaboratorsBest Wishes Studio

ServicesVisioning, Outreach and Engagement, Downtown Revitalization, Public Space Design, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning

RecognitionRunner-Up in the National SC2 Challenge



The SC2 Visioning Challenge was part of the Obama Administration’s Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) initiative launched in 2011 to strengthen neighborhoods, towns, cities, and regions across the country. Hartford was selected as one of several pilot cities, offering an opportunity to reimagine the city’s downtown through research, visioning, and community-driven planning.

Made in Harford-Goals and Initiatives


Made In Hartford-Plan Projections


MUD Workshop participated as a finalist team. Over the course of a year, the team worked with agencies, government officials, community groups, institutions, industry leaders, and nonprofits to build consensus and forge partnerships. The resulting plan presented a coordinated set of ten projects and initiatives, branded as Made in Hartford, that aimed to catalyze an economic renaissance for the city. These initiatives were packaged into visually compelling strategic plan brochures and supported by two films: a five-minute video highlighting key issues and projects, and a seven-minute film outlining the vision and implementation framework.


Vision for Strengthening Hartfords Economy


Vision for Strengthening Hartfords Identity



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Hartford
Made in Harford-Goals and Initiatives
Made In Hartford-Plan Projections
Vision for Strengthening Hartfords Economy
Vision for Strengthening Hartfords Identity


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