Makerspaces as Community & Economic Development

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces can serve as powerful engines for economic and community development. In this episode, guests Dr. Stephanie Santoso, Co-Founder and President of MakerUSA, and Secretary Jake Day, Secretary of Housing and Community Development for the State of Maryland, share why makerspaces matter—not just as creative hubs, but as essential infrastructure for inclusive innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on national and state-level experience, they discuss what it takes to secure public investment, how makerspaces can better communicate impact to policymakers, and what leaders should look for when supporting these spaces. To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) MakerUSA (https://www.makerusa.org/)Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (https://dhcd.maryland.gov/pages/default.aspx)