Tracey Seslen’s Post

We've got a great lineup for this month's Downtown Talks Breakfast! Join us on May 29 at Meydenbauer Center for a conversation about why public spaces matter in and around Downtown Bellevue. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gkyW7Z_s The discussion will: -Give exclusive insight into current public space project designs -Explore trends/demands influencing the development of great public spaces -Review what's working and what's missing within public spaces  -Examine how public-private partnerships play a key role in building public spaces 

We know every place or community within Edinburgh is different. And we know people who live in a community are passionate about how the place in which they live should develop. Now, you have your chance to influence how land within your community is used or developed. Through a Local Place Plan, you can highlight what matters in your area: - which buildings, spaces and places are important - what does and does not work well in your area - the aspirations for your community. Local Place Plans are a new type of plan introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. These new plans mean communities and the Council can truly collaborate on how Edinburgh develops in future as the Council must consider registered Local Place Plans when preparing City Plan 2040, our next local development plan. These plans must be led by any properly constituted community group or organisation. Examples of such groups are community councils, residents’ associations, Friends of Edinburgh greenspace groups or groups that represent particular people or interests like retailer or business associations. The Local Place Plan is a chance for you to shape the future of your place by creating a plan that addresses your needs or concerns. Find out more about developing a local place plan for your community. Our team will help you to start planning your community’s future https://lnkd.in/eQ-qP3MF You can also find case studies and helpful guides on www.ourplace.scot While you are here As we begin to create City Plan 2040, we want to make sure we keep you or your organisation informed and make it easier to get involved. Do you prefer in-person or online meetings? Would you drop-in to an exhibition? Are you happy to fill in surveys or consultations? What else would help you have your say? Please help us to make it easier for you to get involved in shaping your city’s future https://lnkd.in/eMBpMXcR #planning #localplaceplans #communities

Announcing PlacemakingUS's "Public Realm Roundtable!" A national and international gathering of #publicspace and #placemaking leaders in NYC June 13-16. 🗽 The Public Realm Roundtable is a national gathering of government and supporting organizations who build, maintain and enliven public space. New York City’s Mayor Adams, business districts and the Alliance for Public Space Leadership have come together to forge a new position in government, the Director of the Public Realm. This revolutionary new role could become a best practice that the top cities across America should want to pursue. A gathering of those responsible for the public realm including parks departments, property management bureaus, public works managers, and government-adjacent players like BIDs, “Friends of” organizations and conservancies will convene in New York City this June to have a series of thematic roundtable discussions to share good practices, innovations and discuss pain points in our collaborative and emergent work to create praise-worthy public realms. Key Topics of Discussion 🤔 Catalyzing and Keeping Cross-Department Synergies to Complete Vast Transformation 🤔 Maintenance and Enlivening of Spaces with Partners through Permits, MOUs, and License Agreements 🤔 Equity and Anti-gentrification Tactics 🤔 The Next Frontier: Reforming Already-Existing Public Spaces for Better Use: 🤔 When Streets, Sidewalks, Parking Spaces, Buffers and Margins become new centers of Public Gathering 🤔 Making the Case: Connecting the Realm to its Outcomes like Health, Economy, Climate, Sociability and other positives outcomes to attract partners and ease permissions https://lnkd.in/enN6e8mt The event is in collaboration with Ya-Ting Liu and her NYC Office of the Public Realm, Pratt Urban Placemaking and Management, NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management, Social Life Project, PlacemakingX, Street Plans and many more. Further details for sign-up coming soon! Global #PlacemakingX leaders participating so far include Daniela Chacon Arias, Guillermo Bernal, Ramon Marrades, Lex de Jong 莱克斯, Tim Tompkins, Madeleine Spencer, Ryan Smolar, Ethan Kent, Mike Lydon, David Burney, Fred Kent and others... #NYCPublicSpace #PlacemakingUS #PlacemakingNYC #PlaceGovernance

I had the pleasure of attending the Automatic Gathering last week and left inspired. The Forth Hotel by New City Properties, LLC & Method Co. is an instant classic, and being surrounded by such a high-caliber group was energizing. Here are a few highlights: 1. As my dad has always said, if you can create real community, success follows. Across every panel—from developers to operators to capital providers—the emphasis on the need for community was clear. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, this focus is clearly top of mind. 2. Homegrown, Sugarcoat, and Switchyards brought invaluable insights at the intersection of capital and brick and mortar retail services. Despite vastly different business models and real estate needs, these companies' growth stories reflects the grit and vision it takes to scale brick-and-mortar businesses. At Clay Cove, we are fortunate to work with operating partners that embody this same drive and determination. 3. With retail supply at an all-time low, tenants can be choosier than ever. I heard again and again that the best partnerships between tenants and building owners are founded on candor and mutual respect for the value each party brings—we walk this talk by building true partnerships with our operating partners. 4. Jodi McLean’s of EDENS concept of "discordant harmony" as a cultural framework for teams really hit home. It’s something we’re actively building at Clay Cove as we grow our team—balancing openness, respect, and constructive challenge. 5. This ones for the locals....Atlanta needs more active, equitable collaboration between the arts and development communities. Toni Williams' panel with Atlanta's cultural icons highlighted the importance of spaces where creativity thrives and Atlanta’s culture can evolve. The Goat Farm (TriBridge Residential) event last Saturday was a perfect example—let's see more of this! Excited to bring these insights back to Clay Cove Capital, where aligning the interests of operators, investors, and communities is central to what we do. Thanks to the AUTOMATIC for such a top-notch event!

Join Us! | NC Main Street Conference Registration Opens the 2nd week of January! 2025 CONFERENCE THEME: Main Street: Creating Livable, Lovable Communities What makes a community livable? When critical needs are met, such as food security, availability of affordable housing, opportunities for education and healthcare, good jobs and economic growth in a community, and the infrastructure and connectivity to easily access services and resources? What makes a community lovable? When innovative and inclusive quality-of-life amenities are available, such as arts and cultural experiences, community engagement opportunities, and access to recreation to live a healthy lifestyle? Main Street: Creating Livable, Lovable Communities, the theme of this year’s conference, explores the downtown elements that are essential in creating great towns and cities, and how North Carolina communities are implementing economic development strategies that are bringing these livable, lovable elements to fruition. Read More: https://lnkd.in/erTywedD

I can now share the first of my #ParkLife on Tour videos, which was my visit to the Fareham Innovation Centre to interview Anna Bravington. I have wrote a blog piece and added the 13 minute video to a dedicated blog and will share the link at the end. My key findings are that: • The inclusion of business support and mentoring, especially access to skills across the parent group (Oxford Innovation Space) that has 30+ similar centres, which is what elevates the place from just rented desk space to an innovation centre. It gives business owners the skills needed beyond their product or service, to grow and innovate. • Building a varied community of tenants, from different sectors and bringing in outside speakers and experts through their events adds to the diverse thinking needed. • I liked how even the tall workshop units had doors that went inside to the building corridors and access to the communal areas, so everyone can feel connected. Plenty of parking for staff and visitors alike. https://lnkd.in/e2fWN6HQ I've added a snippet of video where I asked Anna about their approach to community building.

The Texas Capitol Complex is the recipient of Quiddity's 2023 Project of the Year! In a monumental effort to breathe new life into the heart of the Lone Star State, Texas undertook a visionary mission to revitalize the state capitol complex. Quiddity played a pivotal role in the Texas Capitol Complex Project, which serves as a symbol of transformation, reshaping the Capitol Complex into more than just a tribute to the Capitol itself but also a vibrant community hub. At the core of this initiative is the integrated pedestrian mall, designed not only for governmental functions but also as a versatile space for community engagement. Envisioned to host events such as picnics for schoolchildren and outdoor book festivals, this area is poised to become an enduring gathering place for Austin's residents. Moreover, the project's significance extends beyond aesthetics. Capitol Complex Phase 1, completed in 2022, effectively addressed the challenge of fragmented office spaces, fostering a more efficient and collaborative approach to the state's challenges. The Texas Capitol Complex Project embodies more than a physical transformation; it signifies innovation, community integration, and efficient urban planning. Recognized as the 2023 Project of the Year, it leaves a lasting legacy, showcasing the impact of visionary initiatives in shaping the essence of the Lone Star State! For in-depth insights into our 2023 Project of the Year, watch a comprehensive video and listen to perspectives from the experts who brought it to fruition. Visit our website to discover more! https://okt.to/2KCYaA

Save the date for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 7-9! Seriously - save it. Conference is my favorite holiday.🎉 Join your peers (and friends) from across the nation for insightful education sessions, unique special events, and immersive mobile workshops in Philly, a city of neighborhoods. Registration will open in December. Preview registration rates, themes, and more > mainstreet.org/now2025 The Main Street Now 2025 education agenda will feature evergreen Main Street Approach content, plus engaging sessions centered around a core theme — A Healthy Main Street Movement — and three related sub-themes (learn more about them at the link above): A Healthy Main Street Movement Main Streets are the hearts of our communities. They are hubs of innovation and creativity, where the dreams of entrepreneurs become local institutions serving vital community needs. They are gathering places, bringing together people from across the street and across town. They are places of shared memory and cultural expression that carry the stories of generations through permanent public art installations and temporal events. In these ways, and so many more, Main Streets both reflect and shape individual and community health. And just like people, Main Streets require care, nurturing, and attention to reach their full potential. To foster healthy Main Streets, we must bring people together to encourage deeper connection, drive future-focused solutions by exploring innovative approaches, and create a sustainable Movement where everyone can fully participate and thrive. I can't wait!!! Main Street America

The Independent highlights an antidote to the loneliness and lack of connection that has caused a nationwide public health crisis. Third places are the solution. 🌟 Third places are the spaces beyond our homes and offices, where we engage with others, form new connections, and foster familiarity and belonging. Examples of third places are:  Coffee shops ☕️ Libraries 📚 Salons 💇♀️ Bars🍹 Gyms 🏋️♂️ Museums 🏛️ Restaurants 🍽  Theaters 🎭  Parks 🌳 We’re pleased to be included in The Independent’s article for our work in partnership with the City of San Francisco investing in the cultivation of new third places downtown. SF New Deal is at the forefront of transforming empty spaces into engaging hubs of activity and connection. From immersive art exhibitions 🖼 to beloved local bakeries 🥐, #VacanttoVibrant is not just revitalizing our city's landscape but rekindling the community spirit that defines San Francisco. 💖🌉 Check out the full article and visit the Vacant to Vibrant pop-ups for a dose of third space goodness https://lnkd.in/ga3Q-eBY