SUBJECT:
Title
CO-Create Erie (Formerly Erie Makerspace) - 2025 Action Plan Presentation
Body
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Karen Hofmeister, President, Co-Create Erie
Julia Thomas-Glennon, Vice President, Co-Create Erie
Carter Schultz, Consultant and Technical Advisor
First Name Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 15 minutes
only required for non-consent items
FISCAL SUMMARY: N/A
POLICY ISSUES:
This agenda item has minimal policy implications.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Informational presentation about CO-Create Erie, their board, and operational plan.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
A makerspace is a collaborative workspace equipped with tools, technology, and materials where people can design, prototype, and create projects. Because makerspaces encourage hands-on learning, innovation, and creativity, they are considered a vital public amenity and are often found in schools, libraries, and community centers.
The initial idea for a makerspace located in the Quonset hut at the Town-owned Schofield Farm originated in 2018, with the Schofield Farm Open Space Master Plan. In 2021, the Town received EDA grant funds to complete feasibility study with consultants Ayres Associates for a makerspace located at the site. Community participation in this process brought together the individuals who would become the first iteration of the makerspace board.
Having determined that there was a gap and desire from the community to support such an initiative, Ayres recommended moving forward with the formation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit board to lead the implementation of the makerspace and oversee its daily operations once constructed. The group received their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in early 2023. In early 2025, this original nonprofit was dissolved and a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit was formed under the name CO-Create Erie.
Form+Works (a hired consultant) was brought in at the end of 2022 to create the construction documents for the makerspace at the Quonset hut. In October 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the $1.3M budget for the interior buildout and exterior improvements. Form+Works submitted 100% construction documents to Town staff.
This presentation will allow CO-Create Erie to inform Council about their organization and their future plans for the makerspace once construction is completed.
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation