Community development on tap: How local breweries provide creative community-centered spaces and initiatives for advancing economic and social capital

This article explores the substantial role of craft breweries in community development, emphasizing their contribution beyond local economic impact. Craft breweries serve as community hubs, fostering social connections and local identity through their unique positioning as “third places.” The article shares diverse case studies, particularly from a brewery-centric workshop at the 2023 Community Development Society (CDS) annual conference in Portland, Oregon, showcasing how breweries contribute to social capital, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the importance of neolocalism and community engagement strategies, demonstrating that breweries can be pivotal in revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting localism, and supporting sustainable development. Through case analyses, the article provides a framework to start a conversation about the multifaceted role of craft breweries in enhancing community and economic development, offering insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.