| Downtown revitalization is a growing phenomenon in many communities across the country and some of these growths are accelerating at a rapid pace in communities near a university. Universities have contributed in many ways to our urban society as avenues for knowledge, incubators for science and technology, economic providers, revenue generators for local government, and revitalize communities to be a positive place to live, learn, and do business through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The purpose of this qualitative case study is to identify the key variables of a PPP between a public New Jersey university and a local community, what the implications are for successful revitalization, and whether socioeconomic benefits were perceived by the community and university stakeholders. Qualitative research in the form of a case study was conducted and a total of 12 participants from the target community were interviewed: three real estate developers, three university higher administrators, three local business owners, the mayor, and two local government officials. The significance of this research is that the study was designed to attempt to fill the gaps about the constructs of PPP between two or more entities, Rowan University and Glassboro, New Jersey. The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the key variables of PPP and determine if the benefits of successful revitalization are socioeconomic in nature. Among the possible benefits of Glassboro's revitalization are: employment opportunities, revenue generation, physical improvements of community and university properties, city beautification, and good communication and clear expectations among the stakeholders, which are foundational for successful revitalization. |
