Abstract:

There has been an increase of public interest and demand for farmers' markets across the nation over the past ten years. As a result, two questions to arise. First, what is the power of a farmers' market to influence community and economic development within a municipality? Second, are municipal zoning codes maximizing the potential of farmers' markets by dictating placement that supports the role of markets as economic and community development agents?

This thesis will take an in-depth look at the role farmers' markets are currently playing in American cities and analyze how municipal codes allow markets to act as agents of change. To do this, the farmers' markets and policies in Minneapolis, Minnesota will be analyzed as a case study. In addition, the market policies and regulations for five best city practices from around the nation will be conducted concurrently to provide perspective.