04Writing
Field notes on running a Florida community.
Practical perspectives on downtown redevelopment, Main Street, municipal finance, and the elected commitment that gets things done.
- 01Economic DevelopmentJune 23, 20264 min read
Rebranding and Marketing: Critical Components of Economic Development and Redevelopment
Rebranding a community — and building the toolbox for the marketing that follows — is one of the most fun and most misunderstood parts of this work. Here are the stories from five Florida communities I have served: Palatka, Maitland, New Port Richey, Crescent City, and Tarpon Springs.
- 02Downtown RedevelopmentMay 31, 20264 min read
Downtown Redevelopment: A Field Guide for Florida Communities
After nearly 30 years reviving Florida downtowns, here is how the pieces fit together — Main Street as economic development, the buildings as a community asset, and the elected commitment that makes it all happen.
- 03Community RedevelopmentMay 27, 20265 min read
Starting — or Reviving — a Main Street Program: The Critical Elements
Standing up a downtown organization from scratch is a different animal than restarting one that has gone quiet. Here is what I have learned about each — being honest about why programs die, leading with organization, finding champions, and rebuilding the city partnership on purpose.
- 04Community RedevelopmentApril 30, 20267 min read
You Have the Downtown Your Elected Officials Are Committed To
A provocative lens for any community serious about its downtown: if you want to know what your leaders are truly committed to, look at what you already have — and at the hidden 'shoulds' running the show.
- 05Community RedevelopmentApril 8, 20268 min read
A New Context for Downtown Buildings
Our historic downtown buildings are a community asset, even when they're privately owned. Shifting the context we view them through can open up possibilities that the old approach never will.
- 06Economic DevelopmentMarch 11, 20267 min read
Everything Your Main Street Organization Does Is Economic Development
After nearly 30 years in and around the Main Street movement, here is why an independent Main Street organization is one of the best economic-development investments a city can make.