web02.fireside.fm Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:51:42 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Urban Planning” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/urban%20planning Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. en-us episodic Actionable economic development strategies and stories Dane Carlson Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. no econ dev, economic development, ed Dane Carlson show@econdevshow.com 170: The Art of Downtown Transformation in Birmingham with David Fleming https://podcast.econdevshow.com/170 fd7b3a66-6287-48a2-9627-ebcc55b77d8e Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 170 The Art of Downtown Transformation in Birmingham with David Fleming full Dane Carlson David Fleming explains how Rev Birmingham's economic development strategies revitalize downtown areas through local business support, historic preservation, and creating inclusive, vibrant urban spaces. 30:14 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with David Fleming, president and CEO of Rev Birmingham, about transforming Birmingham from an industrial city into a thriving service economy centered around healthcare and education. Fleming discusses how his organization fosters downtown vibrancy by preserving historic character, supporting local businesses that "make the city cool," ensuring economic and racial diversity, and collaborating with various municipal authorities to create a downtown that attracts over 30 million annual visitors while maintaining its unique identity. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Focus on supporting local businesses that give your city a unique character and "make the city cool." Create incentives that help historic redevelopment while still allowing for new growth. Work in partnership with various city authorities (parking, transit, housing) to align development goals. Develop housing incentives that encourage economic diversity, not just luxury developments. Measure downtown success by evening vibrancy and residential activity, not just daytime business metrics. Recognize the importance of maintaining racial and economic diversity in downtown development plans. Position anchor institutions like healthcare and universities as catalysts for urban revitalization. Balance the needs of various stakeholders: residents, workers, and visitors. Create development tools that preserve local character while encouraging economic growth. Focus on making downtown a destination with diverse attractions that can draw millions of visitors annually. Special Guest: David Fleming. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Urban revitalization, historic preservation, local businesses, downtown development, economic diversity, Birmingham Alabama, healthcare economy, community partnerships, urban planning, commercial districts In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with David Fleming, president and CEO of Rev Birmingham, about transforming Birmingham from an industrial city into a thriving service economy centered around healthcare and education. Fleming discusses how his organization fosters downtown vibrancy by preserving historic character, supporting local businesses that "make the city cool," ensuring economic and racial diversity, and collaborating with various municipal authorities to create a downtown that attracts over 30 million annual visitors while maintaining its unique identity.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Focus on supporting local businesses that give your city a unique character and "make the city cool."
  2. Create incentives that help historic redevelopment while still allowing for new growth.
  3. Work in partnership with various city authorities (parking, transit, housing) to align development goals.
  4. Develop housing incentives that encourage economic diversity, not just luxury developments.
  5. Measure downtown success by evening vibrancy and residential activity, not just daytime business metrics.
  6. Recognize the importance of maintaining racial and economic diversity in downtown development plans.
  7. Position anchor institutions like healthcare and universities as catalysts for urban revitalization.
  8. Balance the needs of various stakeholders: residents, workers, and visitors.
  9. Create development tools that preserve local character while encouraging economic growth.
  10. Focus on making downtown a destination with diverse attractions that can draw millions of visitors annually.

Special Guest: David Fleming.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with David Fleming, president and CEO of Rev Birmingham, about transforming Birmingham from an industrial city into a thriving service economy centered around healthcare and education. Fleming discusses how his organization fosters downtown vibrancy by preserving historic character, supporting local businesses that "make the city cool," ensuring economic and racial diversity, and collaborating with various municipal authorities to create a downtown that attracts over 30 million annual visitors while maintaining its unique identity.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Focus on supporting local businesses that give your city a unique character and "make the city cool."
  2. Create incentives that help historic redevelopment while still allowing for new growth.
  3. Work in partnership with various city authorities (parking, transit, housing) to align development goals.
  4. Develop housing incentives that encourage economic diversity, not just luxury developments.
  5. Measure downtown success by evening vibrancy and residential activity, not just daytime business metrics.
  6. Recognize the importance of maintaining racial and economic diversity in downtown development plans.
  7. Position anchor institutions like healthcare and universities as catalysts for urban revitalization.
  8. Balance the needs of various stakeholders: residents, workers, and visitors.
  9. Create development tools that preserve local character while encouraging economic growth.
  10. Focus on making downtown a destination with diverse attractions that can draw millions of visitors annually.

Special Guest: David Fleming.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 157: An Optimistic Reimagining of the City with Coby Lefkowitz https://podcast.econdevshow.com/157 5aea211c-183c-43bb-afaa-92113e6c7437 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 157 An Optimistic Reimagining of the City with Coby Lefkowitz full Dane Carlson Coby Lefkowitz, author of "Building Optimism: Why Our World Looks the Way it Does, and How to Make it Bette", discusses infill multifamily development and building better communities through thoughtful urban planning. 39:00 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Coby Lefkowitz, co-founder and partner at Backyard, a real estate development firm specializing in infill multifamily projects in walkable communities. Coby shares insights from his book "Building Optimism: Why Our World Looks the Way it Does, and How to Make it Better" and discusses how communities can evolve through better development practices, emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions and the integration of mixed-use spaces in urban planning. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways Take tours of successful mixed-use developments to understand what works Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions; focus on context-specific development Consider integrating residential and commercial spaces in development plans Work on making communities more walkable and accessible Engage with smaller and medium-sized developers for more dynamic development Study successful pedestrian mall implementations and failures Focus on creating vibrant, integrated community spaces Understand local context before implementing development strategies Build relationships between economic developers and city officials Consider gradual implementation of mixed-use zoning reforms Special Guest: Coby Lefkowitz. econdev, economic development, eco devo, infill development, walkable communities, mixed-use, urban planning, economic development, community building, real estate development, zoning reform, Back to the Cities, contextual solutions In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Coby Lefkowitz, co-founder and partner at Backyard, a real estate development firm specializing in infill multifamily projects in walkable communities. Coby shares insights from his book "Building Optimism: Why Our World Looks the Way it Does, and How to Make it Better" and discusses how communities can evolve through better development practices, emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions and the integration of mixed-use spaces in urban planning.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways

  1. Take tours of successful mixed-use developments to understand what works
  2. Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions; focus on context-specific development
  3. Consider integrating residential and commercial spaces in development plans
  4. Work on making communities more walkable and accessible
  5. Engage with smaller and medium-sized developers for more dynamic development
  6. Study successful pedestrian mall implementations and failures
  7. Focus on creating vibrant, integrated community spaces
  8. Understand local context before implementing development strategies
  9. Build relationships between economic developers and city officials
  10. Consider gradual implementation of mixed-use zoning reforms

Special Guest: Coby Lefkowitz.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Coby Lefkowitz, co-founder and partner at Backyard, a real estate development firm specializing in infill multifamily projects in walkable communities. Coby shares insights from his book "Building Optimism: Why Our World Looks the Way it Does, and How to Make it Better" and discusses how communities can evolve through better development practices, emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions and the integration of mixed-use spaces in urban planning.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways

  1. Take tours of successful mixed-use developments to understand what works
  2. Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions; focus on context-specific development
  3. Consider integrating residential and commercial spaces in development plans
  4. Work on making communities more walkable and accessible
  5. Engage with smaller and medium-sized developers for more dynamic development
  6. Study successful pedestrian mall implementations and failures
  7. Focus on creating vibrant, integrated community spaces
  8. Understand local context before implementing development strategies
  9. Build relationships between economic developers and city officials
  10. Consider gradual implementation of mixed-use zoning reforms

Special Guest: Coby Lefkowitz.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 150: Rethinking Highway Corridors with Dan Eernissee https://podcast.econdevshow.com/150 459ddb77-1ab7-4ac8-9715-a0f880e794b5 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 150 Rethinking Highway Corridors with Dan Eernissee full Dane Carlson Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington, shares strategies for transforming suburban communities into thriving economic centers through innovative development approaches and strategic business attraction. 46:15 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents. Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers: Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs Special Guest: Dan Eernissee. econdev, economic development, eco devo, highway corridors, mixed-use development, planned actions, entitlement, multifamily housing, retail transformation, community amenities, economic development, transportation infrastructure, urban planning In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents.

Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers:

  1. Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces
  2. Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors
  3. Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing
  4. Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors
  5. Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development
  6. Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce
  7. Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities
  8. Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors
  9. Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development
  10. Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs

Special Guest: Dan Eernissee.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents.

Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers:

  1. Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces
  2. Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors
  3. Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing
  4. Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors
  5. Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development
  6. Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce
  7. Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities
  8. Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors
  9. Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development
  10. Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs

Special Guest: Dan Eernissee.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>