Muse’s Post

I'm just picking-over the (fish)bones of the High Streets Task Force like a city centre seagull! Those of you involved in one of the 149 High Streets that the Task Force assisted -and those like me, who provided some of the assistance- should be familar with this fishbone diagram summarising causes and solutions for town and city centre upheaval. One of the things that I most liked about the Task Force since the outset, was its focus on the 'how' of town and city centre revitalisation, as well as the 'what'. Words like 'data', 'activation', 'communication' and 'governanace' in the fishbone summary are testimony to this. As it closes its virtual door, I find it fascinating to reflect about how and if this focus might live on. It has been great to see the focus on place leadership and inclusive partnerships as a constant throughout the Task Force’s activity. This is what I will most look for in the forthcoming sharing of lessons learned that can hopefully inform future support for the renewal of our town and city centres. It is great that the work of the last five years has championed and gathered evidence about the important role of place leaders, whether from the community, sympathetic businesses, or public services. Such local leadership can be key to developing and delivering compelling town centre visions and the creation and evolution of successful place partnerships. Evolving and resilient local partnership models can hopefully provide the framework for the ongoing reimagining and revitalisation of our town and city centres.  Community empowerment and close working relations with local authorities, backed by mentored organisational development, have been strengths of the Task Force’s focus that I would like to be prominent in its legacy. My burning question now, is how will this foundation of learning be built-on? Contrary to myths proported in so many 'succession strategies', my experience is that the impacts of even the most successful initiatives, will wain without some continuity or championing of the cause. I would like to see some 'flesh put on the bones' of what a successor approach might involve. After all, it is no less than we would expect from a resiliant, local partnership! #towncentres #highstreets #citycentres #revitalisation #communityempowerment #localleadership #learning #succession

As cities continue facing challenges with revitalizing downtowns post-pandemic, collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial for successful recovery. In this piece for Urban Land magazine, HR&A's Managing Partner, Kate Collignon, shares insights on how to bring people back to the office and diversify downtown spaces. She emphasizes the need for strong leadership to cut through red tape, mobilize resources, and break down silos between public agencies.   Kate is joined by other experts, including Anzhelika Arbatskaia, Baker Barrios Architects, Andy DeMoss, Bradford Allen , and Sheba Ross Titus, HKS, Inc., who highlight the importance of community engagement, integrating nature, and addressing challenges like the work-from-home trend and outdated urban infrastructure.   Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ejHegXx3 #UrbanRevitalization #PublicPrivatePartnership #CityLeadership #WorkplaceStrategy #SustainableDevelopment

Hailed as one of Texas’ fastest growing cities, #PrincetonTexas exudes the charm of a small town but boasts the commercial appeal of a modern metropolis. With its strategic location to key universities and flourishing housing market where the city’s “bursting at the seams with rooftops, Princeton TX is unlike any other city. Read this feature article about the evolution of a city that wants to lead, set the pace and set the standard: https://lnkd.in/gpXHd-NZ Lite & Barricade Peoples Bank Texas Meritage Homes Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber of Commerce The NRP Group LLC Armani Homes #Princeton #Texas #LoneStarState #strategicgrowth #collegetown #boomingmarket #housingmarket #city #smalltowncharm #leadership #highstandard #qualityliving #businessparks #infrastructure #growth #recreation #businessgrowth #evolution

"I want Harlow to be the most transformative and impactful local authority in the country!" A bold statement? Absolutely. But it’s one backed by action and tangible deliverables. Councils across the UK are at a critical juncture. With skyrocketing service costs and a staggering £2.29 billion spent on temporary accommodation last year alone, financial pressures have reached unprecedented levels. These challenges demand bold, innovative approaches. Creativity, efficiency, and delivering exceptional services are no longer optional—they are the foundations of a thriving future for local authorities. That’s where Harlow Council stands out. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with Harlow Council to recruit a new senior leadership team. For Harlow, excellence goes aligned with leading innovation, regeneration, and growth. From the ambitious Harlow & Gilston Garden Town to the exciting developments in the Innovation Park and Enterprise Zone, and transformative investments in the town centre regeneration, Harlow is for sure setting the benchmark. Their approach is clear: revitalise the area, attract investment, and leave no one behind. But big ambitions need the right team to drive them forward. That’s why Harlow Council is on the lookout for dynamic, forward-thinking leaders who are ready to make an impact. Applications are now open for: ☑️ Managing Director ☑️ Executive Director (Housing Focus) ☑️ Executive Director (Community & Regeneration Focus) ☑️ Executive Director (Corporate and Regulatory Services Focus) Regeneration is my absolute passion, and it’s been a real joy working with Harlow on this campaign. If you share my enthusiasm for transforming local government and driving sustainable growth, let’s have a chat! Click here to learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/e9VYpdQF Julie Towers Dan Swords Dawar Hashmi #HarlowCouncil #LocalGovernment #Regeneration #Growth #Sustainability #Leadership #Innovation

In this episode of the Weekly Brief: MarketRent™ powered by Clarendon , we explore how Cleveland ’s Opportunity Corridor is transforming the city’s east side, bridging historic neighborhoods with University Circle and sparking economic growth. This $330 million project isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about revitalization, community engagement, and equitable development.    Key initiatives like Fairfax Market and Innovation Square are addressing food insecurity, creating jobs, and driving local investment. With targeted efforts in brownfield remediation and site acquisition, Cleveland is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity.    Additionally, this week in our regular market briefs, we highlight Cleveland’s remarkable resurgence, which recently earned it a spot among the #WorldsBestCities —ranking 70th globally, surpassing cities like Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro and Athens according to the Resonance report. This achievement reflects Cleveland’s dynamic growth, driven by a blend of economic revitalization, cultural investments, and strategic urban planning.  Listen and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNxvFqwa #MarketRent #WeeklyBrief #ClevelandRevitalization #UrbanDevelopment #EquityInInfrastructure #OpportunityCorridor #CommunityGrowth #SustainableCities #EconomicDevelopment #WalkableNeighborhoods

In the News: The Globe and Mail's Leadership Lab - Home Builders are Only Part of the Solution to the Housing Crisis 📰 At Minto, we understand that home builders are part of the solution to the housing crisis and we are committed to developing sustainable and affordable housing options that cater to the diverse needs of our communities. In the first article of a four-part series for The Globe and Mail's Leadership Lab, our CEO, Michael Waters, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to this critical issue as an endeavour requiring a collective effort. By collaborating with government agencies, financial institutions, and community organizations, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive housing ecosystem, while maintaining our focus on green building practices to ensure that we address the housing shortage and continue contributing to a healthier planet. Read the article to learn more about how we can make a significant impact together: https://lnkd.in/gnGb5y2h #MintoGroup #LeadershipLab #HousingCrisis #SustainableLiving #CommunityBuilding

🏙️🏡 Embracing Change for a Brighter Future in L.A.! 🌟 The Los Angeles City Council has made a monumental decision that may redefine the urban landscape we call home! With a focus on expanding housing opportunities while preserving the charm of single-family neighborhoods, this bold move signals a strategic shift in addressing the city's ongoing housing crisis. 🏘️ Imagine 🌈: - Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods bustling with life and opportunity 🚶♂️🚲 - Increased accessibility to housing in high-demand areas 🏡 - Eco-friendly living with improved access to public transit 🌱🚉 This initiative celebrates both innovation and tradition, acknowledging the rich diversity of our beloved city's neighborhoods while aspiring to meet the housing needs of our ever-growing population. 🌍✨ Together, we're building an L.A. that's inclusive, sustainable, and true to its unique identity. Let’s embrace this journey towards a more connected and accommodating cityscape. 🙌💙 [#UrbanDevelopment, #HousingFuture, #LACityForward, #SustainableGrowth, #CommunityFirst] READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/g7_SMAUk

We’re excited to announce the launch of City Building 2025! This special report, in collaboration with Ottawa Business Journal, Eastern Ontario Business Journal, government, and industry partners, will spotlight the 25 most innovative urban development projects shaping our region unpacking how industry leaders are reimagining building. 🏗️🏢 Don’t miss the opportunity to feature your groundbreaking work and position your company as a leader in urban transformation. Learn more below⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gg4QCd8i #CityBuilding2025 #UrbanDevelopment #OttawaBusiness #EasternOntario

What an amazing State of the City Presentation the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce put on yesterday! As a proud #Longmonster myself, it was really insightful to hear from Longmont's City Manager, Harold Dominguez, about the city’s ongoing and future initiatives. The focus on essential services—such as Water, Power, and Public Safety—combined with innovative transportation strategies like Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, showcases Longmont's commitment to creating a safer community. They also discussed exciting new housing projects, enhancements to parks and open spaces, and Longmont's ambitious bid to join the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative—a program through the UN, which would make us the first U.S. city to participate! This presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the city's operations and priorities, highlighting what truly makes Longmont the world’s greatest village to call home! Special thanks to Karen Stallard (Mastie), COO at the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce, and Carla Colin, President at The Latino Chamber of Commerce, for hosting such an informative Q&A afterward as well! #Longmont #CommunityEngagement #CityLeadership #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #MakingCitiesResilient #VisionZero #PublicSafety #HousingDevelopment #LocalGovernment #LongmontStrong If you missed the presentation, here's a link to watch it: https://lnkd.in/g4RqYE52