Podcasts about downtown development authority

Charlie has been shaping the fabric of Fort Lauderdale for over three decades — not just as a developer, but as a local who never left.On this episode, we sit down with Charlie to trace his journey from the late 1980s to today — from his early work with Amera Companies to founding Barron Real Estate in 1991. He's worn every hat: developer, leasing agent, and even contractor on multiple projects across South Florida.Charlie shares stories from his time as an officer with the Florida subsidiary of Symcor Properties, where he oversaw leasing and development of four buildings in Northeast Fort Lauderdale and seven shopping centers. He also breaks down how he's helped transform Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale long before it was a hot market.Beyond the deals, Charlie is an active downtown resident and civic leader, serving on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority and Riverwalk Trust, and formerly with the Downtown Council.We get into real estate cycles, tenant-driven development, and what 40+ years in the game has taught him about betting on neighborhoods before anyone else sees the vision.Connect with usWant to dive deeper into Miami's commercial real estate scene? It's our favorite topic—and we're always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at felipe@builtworldadvisors.com or give us a call at 305.498.9410. Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we're always open to expanding the conversation. Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Wednesday announced the creation of a new police unit focused on downtown safety, a move that another official said would yield "significant changes in the crime map" for the corridor within a year and encourage people to come back. Joined by Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas and other city officials on the 16th Street Mall, Johnston said the success of the city depends on the success of downtown.“Downtown Denver is not just the backbone of Denver's economy, but it's the cultural and civic heart of the Mountain West," Johnston said in a news release. “These new public safety resources — coupled with $570 million in economic investments through the Downtown Development Authority, the completion of construction on 16th Street, and non-stop events and attractions all summer — downtown is well on its way to being the vibrant core of our city once again."

Learn about the comprehensive vision for future investments and stewardship, with a focus on downtown Colorado Springs. We'll hear from Chris Lieber, COO for Pikes Peak Waterways, Principal at N.E.S. Inc. and Chair of the Downtown Development Authority. He is joined by former city councilor Jan Martin, cofounder and board member for Pikes Peak Waterways.The COS Creek Plan establishes a comprehensive vision for the future investments and stewardship of the Fountain Creek Watershed with a specific focus on segments of the Monument and Fountain creeks adjacent to Downtown Colorado Springs. The COS Creek Plan establishes an implementable vision, which respects our communities' values, responds to infrastructure needs, and leverages opportunities. Implementation of the Plan is being pursued through a unique partnership between Pikes Peak Waterways (non-profit), the City of Colorado Springs (Stormwater Enterprise), and Colorado Springs Utilities. It is intended to create excitement, foster collaboration, and identify public and private partnership opportunities.Pikes Peak Waterways is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded on the premise that visionary planning, research, and action is vital to making our region's waterways sustainable and enjoyable for generations to come. Pikes Peak Waterways serves as a catalyst for change and is turning Fountain and Monument Creek's challenges into opportunities: opportunities for restoration, opportunities for preservation, opportunities for recreation, and opportunities for community and economic development.Chris Lieber is leading efforts to implement the COS Creek Plan and supporting the non-profit work of Pikes Peak Waterways. For nearly two decades Chris managed the Colorado Springs Parks, Trails and Open Space (TOPS) Program.LINKS:Presenters' Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/COS-Creek-Plan-SIP.pdfPikes Peak Waterwayshttps://Ppwaterways.orgThis episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on January 15, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:February 19, 2025, 12 NoonTopic: Connecting Colorado with the Outdoors - Great Outdoors Colorado and Generation WildRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3NQwgJHAScGcXFVygi4bowThanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak PermacultureVisit pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Bill Kirk, Communications Director with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is the organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2013, DGRI serves as the singular management entity for the combined operations of the Downtown Development Authority, the Downtown Improvement District , and the Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority. Bill spoke with us about the World of Winter Festival is a free, outdoor celebration in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, celebrating winter through art, events, and activities for all ages. The festival is from January 10 - March 2, 2025, and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. World of Winter transforms the city into a winter wonderland each year. Now in its 6th year, World of Winter features stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, and live performances, offering a unique way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of winter.  Online: The World of Winter Festival  Online: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.  

Pam Conner, city manager of the City of Powder Springs, joins host Carol Morgan for this week's Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Conner discusses methods for developing one of Atlanta's fastest-growing cities. Events + Gatherings Events and gatherings are a driving force for city growth, according to Conner. The City of Powder Springs works diligently with residents to host diverse events that represent its larger population. The city plans yearly holiday celebrations, including Independence Day fireworks, Veteran's Day celebrations, chili cook-offs, and Hispanic Heritage Month activities in October. Other community events include the Brown Bag concert series, 5K running events, Bookfest, health and wellness workshops and meet-and-greets with local law enforcement. Listening to Residents Listening to residents' concerns and suggestions is another essential element of city planning. Whether it is a dog park or better roads, it is crucial for city planners to give residents a platform to voice their concerns. It is even more important to put those ideas into action. “We are also developing and planning to develop more parking and transportation improvements,” said Conner. “The city's a small city, and its geography is what it is. There are opportunities for some intersection improvements to help move people along, and, you know, the folks who do live here have valid comments and concerns about the traffic.” Adding Rooftops How does a city like Powder Springs grow its population? The City has added multifamily and townhome developments and strives to boost its population during the day. This means businesses and attractions invite residents to engage throughout the day through dining, recreation, shopping and more! Conner notes that walkability is especially attractive to new and younger residents. Situated on the edge of Thurman Springs Park Square, a new multifamily development is nearly complete with 220 units. These homes put residents within walking distance of city events, with some that include balconies overlooking the square. A second housing development is underway about two blocks from the downtown area. “I think that with all the apartments downtown and the multifamily, you're going to see that a lot of people work from home and that's going to boost the population during the day too,” said Conner. “Because you can work from home two or three days a week, run out and grab your coffee, or run out and grab your lunch and you can walk there.” Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about the City of Powder Springs or visit www.CityOfPowderSprings.org. About the  City of Powder Springs Located in southwest Cobb County, Powder Springs boasts a small-town atmosphere complemented by booming developments in housing, community engagement and recreation. What does city growth look like for Powder Springs? Recently, the City of Powder Springs recreated its City Center, once known as the “heart and soul of the community” during the city's beginnings. Other recent additions to Powder Springs include Thurman Springs Park, a town square area with an amphitheater and splash pad, Powder Springs Park and its renovated City Hall. “Grand ideas are grand, but they don't help you if they just stay on paper or on the shelf,” said Conner. “So, the city worked really hard with the Downtown Development Authority to make those changes downtown, and you can start to see that revitalization with more people down at the events that we have.” The Silver Comet Trail, a paved rail trail running from Smyrna, Georgia, to Alabama, passes through Powder Springs and is a recreational staple for residents. The Linear Park trailhead provides access from Powder Springs, forming connections across Cobb County. Powder Springs is also home to the Seven Springs Museum, full of rich local history. A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio.

Meet the team from Publica Coffee. Welcome Oconee Creative Studio. The city of Watkinsville is seeking qualified candidates to fill a vacancy on the Downtown Development Authority. Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠ Use code SEPT24 for 20% off a one-year subscription during the month of September.

In today's news: St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new plan for improvements to Whirlpool Centennial Park after the initial plan proved to be too expensive.  The Buchanan City Commission has begun work to reestablish the city's Downtown Development Authority.  The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has parted ways with its undersheriff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new plan for improvements to Whirlpool Centennial Park after the initial plan proved to be too expensive.  The Buchanan City Commission has begun work to reestablish the city's Downtown Development Authority.  The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has parted ways with its undersheriff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new plan for improvements to Whirlpool Centennial Park after the initial plan proved to be too expensive.  The Buchanan City Commission has begun work to reestablish the city's Downtown Development Authority.  The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has parted ways with its undersheriff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new plan for improvements to Whirlpool Centennial Park after the initial plan proved to be too expensive.  The Buchanan City Commission has begun work to reestablish the city's Downtown Development Authority.  The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has parted ways with its undersheriff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode with Stewart Beal discusses different aspects of real estate investing, from raising money and acquiring properties to acquisition, asset management, and capital preservation.Stewart shares how he realized the power of real estate at a young age, doing due diligence, having people invest in syndications, techniques on massively growing a portfolio, and more topics we all don't want to miss!Key Points & Relevant TopicsStewart on investing in real estate at a young ageTips on doing due diligence and acquisition for rental propertiesStewart's recommendations for someone who wants to start investing in real estateStrategies for raising capital for multi-door apartments or propertiesAttracting investors to invest in syndication modelsManaging a huge team and their function in growing a portfolioTools and resources for managing people and investment propertiesThe importance of being conservative in protecting investors' capital from a potential market downturnResources & LinksApartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive InvestorAbout Stewart BealStewart Beal is a serial entrepreneur who brings extensive management, marketing, and leadership abilities to all Beal Capital projects. Stewart has been actively involved in real estate, construction, acquisition, development, and management since 1997. When he was nineteen years old, Stewart founded Beal Properties, LLC and has since founded more than twenty other companies in the real estate and construction industries. Beal Properties has purchased more than 100 properties over the past 17 years - in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Toledo, Detroit, Monroe, and Dundee. His company currently manages over 3,000 apartment units, office spaces, and single family homes. Beal Properties employs more than 60 team members in Michigan and Ohio. Stewart is a founding member of Watermark Partners, which manages a set of real estate funds that have raised and deployed more than $100 million in equity, closed more than 150 real estate transactions, and acquired more than 6,000 apartments over the past 5 years. Stewart has a degree in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University and has served on the board of Ypsilanti's Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti's Downtown Development Authority. He is a licensed real estate Broker in the State of Michigan. Under Stewart's leadership, Beal Properties and Beal Incorporated have won myriad of awards at local, state, and national levels including Inc. Magazine naming Beal Incorporated the 191st fastest growing privately-owned business in America in 2010. Beal Inc. and Beal Properties were both honored with Washtenaw County Fast Track awards, marking the first time that the President of two companies was recognized simultaneously. Get in Touch with StewartSyndication Website: https://www.beal-capital.com/ Property Management Website: https://gobeal.com/ Email: sbeal@gobeal.com  Facebook: Stewart BealLinkedIn: Stewart BealTo Connect With UsPlease visit our website www.bonavestcapital.com and click here to leave a rating and written review!

Karen is a good friend and good human. Karen sits on numerous boards and committees in our community. She is a county commissioner, a member of the Downtown Development Authority, and the Chief Operations Officer for Centra Wellness an organization with a mission to help individuals struggling with Mental illness/disabilities and drug addiction. Good stuff. JB. LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- www.youtube.com/@JamesBeaudrie Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany This episode is sponsored by The Outsider of Manistee - https://www.outsidermanistee.com/ 231-299-1235 457 River St. Manistee Mi, 49660 Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts 231-398-9770 www.ramsdelltheatre.org

In today's news: It's the third day of extreme heat in Michigan with more than four million people under an Excessive Heat Warning.  The South Haven City Council has entered into an agreement with the city's Local Development Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to ensure that money generated from a proposed recreation millage actually goes to that purpose. A Detroit area woman is in Southwest Michigan this week speaking to children about water safety, two years after her daughter drowned in Lake Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: It's the third day of extreme heat in Michigan with more than four million people under an Excessive Heat Warning.  The South Haven City Council has entered into an agreement with the city's Local Development Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to ensure that money generated from a proposed recreation millage actually goes to that purpose. A Detroit area woman is in Southwest Michigan this week speaking to children about water safety, two years after her daughter drowned in Lake Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: It's the third day of extreme heat in Michigan with more than four million people under an Excessive Heat Warning.  The South Haven City Council has entered into an agreement with the city's Local Development Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to ensure that money generated from a proposed recreation millage actually goes to that purpose. A Detroit area woman is in Southwest Michigan this week speaking to children about water safety, two years after her daughter drowned in Lake Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: It's the third day of extreme heat in Michigan with more than four million people under an Excessive Heat Warning.  The South Haven City Council has entered into an agreement with the city's Local Development Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to ensure that money generated from a proposed recreation millage actually goes to that purpose. A Detroit area woman is in Southwest Michigan this week speaking to children about water safety, two years after her daughter drowned in Lake Michigan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com The city of Norcross is currently accepting applications for various positions on its city boards, including the Discovery Garden Park Board, Sustainable Norcross Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, and Tree Preservation Board. Interested individuals have one week left to apply, with the deadline set for Monday, June 3, at 6:00 p.m. Applications can be submitted to Deputy City Clerk Shayla Alexis. There are specific application forms for new applicants and those seeking reappointment, available on the city's website. Each board has its unique mission focusing on areas like organic gardening, urban redevelopment, historic preservation, sustainability, and tree conservation, aiming to enhance both the community's quality of life and environmental health.____________________________________________Join Our Newsletter Community: https://www.NewsletterBoss.club Start Your Own Newsletter With Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=morningspark The One Person Newsletter Business On Amazon https://amzn.to/3VeRgsF Subscribe To Gwinnett Morning Spark Newsletter https://www.GwinnettMorningSpark.com Subscribe To Good Morning Gwinnett, Podcast https://www.GoodMorningGwinnett.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-morning-gwinnett-podcast--3262933/support.

Kevin Blanchard, CEO of Downtown Development Authority ("DDA") and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited ("DLU"), and Jessica Hauerwas, Executive Director of DLU, join Discover Lafayette to discuss their organizations' missions, focus and programming. The two organizations work together to preserve and enhance Downtown Lafayette's place as the heart of Acadiana, providing resources for businesses, developers, and community members to keep Downtown Lafayette thriving and successful. DLU was formed in the November 1983 as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization as the oil bust was causing people to relocate, as a mechanism to reinvigorate downtown; DDA was created in 1992 by Louisiana legislation not long after and is supported by a dedicated tax of 15 mills paid by downtown property owners. Kevin was hired to take over the helm of the two organizations earlier this year upon the departure of Anita Begnaud, who served as Downtown Lafayette's CEO for the past several years. He brings rich experience to the table, having served as Executive Director of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority, COO for Southern Lifestyle and Development, and Chief Development Officer and Public Works Director at Lafayette Consolidated Government under the Joey Durel Administration. He practiced as an attorney with the Onebane Law Firm, was Editor-in-Chief of the Louisiana Law Review and covered government and politics as a reporter for The Acadiana Advocate newspaper. Jessica was hired in November 2023 to oversee DLU's day-to-day operations and promote downtown as an economic driver, cultural epicenter and key element of the region's quality of life. She leads its fundraising strategies, nurtures relationships with the organization's members, donors, and partners, and works on programming DLU's events (such as Bach Lunch, Downtown Alive, and Lunch and Learn) and helps downtown businesses promote their own events. Jessica previously worked in marketing and operations with Acadiana Center for the Arts and had served as president of the DLU board. Family friendly programming is a key focus of Downtown Lafayette, as it not only provides wonderful entertainment for our community, but it serves to drive people downtown who may not have experienced its growing attractions. DDA and DLU are working to have people see downtown as a safe neighborhood, "as a great place to feel free to play, get entertained, work and live," says Kevin. Downtown Alive is celebrating its 40th year Longtime goals of Downtown Lafayette have focused on the construction of residential spaces to attract permanent residents and achieve infrastructure improvements supporting the needs of a vibrant downtown. A residential market study commissioned by DDA shows a demand for 1,000 residential housing units in the downtown area over the next five years. New properties recently completed downtown include the Vermilion Lofts, The Lofts at the Municipal Apartments, and the Monroe Apartments. Building downtown brings its own unique challenges as the streets were built in the late 1800s and properties were placed on postage-size spaces. Kevin explained that there is a higher cost to the developer in repurposing these existing older sites, but the benefit to the community is great as existing infrastructure is utilized and the increased density creates a bigger tax base. "I am so optimistic about where we are in Downtown Lafayette. In 2016, we had a 5,400 person capacity in our downtown bars. Today, that number is 3,000. In 2017, the moratorium on bars was lifted and a conditional use process was put in place. It has promoted a health, active nighlife situation. Six or seven years ago, there were 19 restaurants downtown; now, there are 29." says Kevin Blanchard. Private individuals are seeing the benefits of donating dollars to downtown, and one shining example is the new 6,000 square foot, $1 million state-of-the-art Playground at Parc Sans Sou...

The longstanding business relationship between Detroit's municipal government and corporations traces its roots back several decades. Theo Pride, of Detroit People's Platform, offers insightful analysis, delving into both macro and micro perspectives on the historical trajectory and current dynamics. Through examining entities like the Downtown Development Authority and the significance of Community Benefits Agreements, alongside considerations of resident empowerment, we gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex landscape. This discussion serves as a crucial framing for understanding ongoing developments and fostering balanced expectations among residents and corporations alike. Tune in to the Detroit is Different feature with Theo Pride for a deeper exploration. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com Find out more at https://detroit-is-different.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-is-different/32c08fa4-1495-48c5-88ed-51def3d74048

Alexus reports on an upcoming Downtown Development Authority meeting, where funding plans are being explored after recent legislative budget cuts impacted Riverfront Plaza Park and shipyard development plans.

As an attorney and former journalist, Kevin Blanchard recently joined the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (DLU) having started on February 1st. Previously, he served as the first-ever executive director of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority (LPTFA), and held various positions within the administration of former Mayor-President Joey Durel. Kevin has been actively involved in civic initiatives and was recognized for his contributions to the community, including leading the development of Lafayette's first comprehensive plan and amending the Lafayette City-Parish Charter in 2018. — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, The Music Academy of Acadiana, and Electronic Protection Systems. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Alexus reports on the latest delays in funding for the Laura Street Trio renovations, as the City Council has returned the project to the Downtown Development Authority for additional modifications.

With a diverse career path and a fervent commitment to societal and environmental causes, Marc Miller brings a wealth of expertise in public policy, leadership, and inclusive decision-making to every facet of his work. his professional journey reflects a profound dedication to bridging the gap between conservation and natural resources management, while also influencing spheres such as outdoor recreation, economic development, and governmental engagement.Throughout his career, Marc has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate challenging circumstances, fostering momentum and garnering crucial organizational support in dynamic environments. His approach is characterized by a fusion of integrity, strong values, humility, inclusiveness, and authenticity, essential components that drive his pursuit of meaningful societal and conservation contributions.

Patrick and Chris sit down with Matt Robenalt, the Executive Director of the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority. Did you know that Remington Street was originally planned to go right through what is now Old Town square? More amazing stories about what Fort Collins could have looked like if it wasn't for the DDA! A great conversation you don't want to miss. Created in 1981, the DDA uses tax increment financing to stimulate redevelopment in the central business district. The Authority focuses on projects that have benefit for the entire community. It uses its financial resources to directly leverage private investment. Typically the DDA will partner with a developer, business owner, or property owner in a manner that “induces” a private investment in real estate improvements. The DDA's participation in such public-private partnerships ranges from a few thousand dollars to investments in excess of $5 million.

Patrick and Chris sit down with Matt Robenalt, the Executive Director of the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority. Did you know that Remington Street was originally planned to go right through what is now Old Town square? More amazing stories about what Fort Collins could have looked like if it wasn't for the DDA! A great conversation you don't want to miss. Created in 1981, the DDA uses tax increment financing to stimulate redevelopment in the central business district. The Authority focuses on projects that have benefit for the entire community. It uses its financial resources to directly leverage private investment. Typically the DDA will partner with a developer, business owner, or property owner in a manner that “induces” a private investment in real estate improvements. The DDA's participation in such public-private partnerships ranges from a few thousand dollars to investments in excess of $5 million.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for Sept 24th Publish Date:  Sept 21st From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast Today is Sunday, September 24th, and happy heavenly birthday filmmaker Jim Henson. ****HENSON**** I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Mall of Chrysler Dodge Jeep. Gwinnett's $17 billion transit expansion plan approved by commissioners Gwinnett Police Foundation honors longtime community partner Police arrest 18 people in illegal gambling bust at Duluth-area bar All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!  Break 1 : M.O.G.          Story 1: Gwinnett's $17 billion transit expansion plan approved by commissioners   Gwinnett County commissioners have approved a $17 billion Transit Development Plan for a 12-year expansion of the county's transit system. The plan includes new local and rapid service routes, microtransit, shuttles to the airport, and extended service hours. Funding options include a transportation sales tax or property taxes. The plan aims to improve transportation, reduce congestion, and expand Ride Gwinnett with 500 miles of fixed routes, seven-day bus service, and gradual microtransit expansion. High-capacity transit like bus rapid transit will be added along busy corridors, grouped into four service categories. A referendum for funding may happen in November 2024...…..read more at gwinnettdailypost.com STORY 2: Gwinnett Police Foundation honors longtime community partner   The Gwinnett County Police Foundation annually acknowledges individuals who make significant community contributions within the police department and the community. In 2023, Angel Alonso, Sr. is recognized as the community honoree. Alonso, who retired after 33 years from his business, Indian Trail Hardware, has volunteered with the Gwinnett Police Department for over 31 years. He played vital roles such as a Spanish translator for various precincts, the DUI task force, and Immigration. Additionally, he contributed to launching the volunteer search team with Gwinnett Police.   STORY 3: Police arrest 18 people in illegal gambling bust at Duluth-area bar Gwinnett County police conducted a raid at the Royal Flush Bar and Grill in unincorporated Duluth, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals involved in an alleged illegal gambling operation. The arrests included 13 customers and 5 employees. Arrest warrants have also been issued for the owners of the establishment. Police seized over $50,000 in cash, along with gambling-related items. Employees are facing commercial gambling charges, while customers face gambling charges. The owners are currently at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers, offering a cash reward for tips leading to arrests and indictments. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back   Break 2:   Slappey - Tom Wages - Obits – Cumming Fair             STORY 4: Lawrenceville accepting applications for board vacancies   The city of Lawrenceville is currently accepting applications for vacancies on various volunteer boards, with approximately 40 positions available for 2024. These boards include the Aurora Theatre Board of Directors, Board of Appeals, Development Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Financial Review Citizen Committee, Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee, Lawrenceville Arts Commission, Lawrenceville Housing Authority, Planning Commission, ReCAST Advisory Board, and Stormwater Authority. Citizens and business owners within the city limits are encouraged to apply by October 6. The involvement of citizens and businesses in city government is seen as essential for good governance and transparency, according to Mayor David Still.   STORY 5: World Champion: Snellville native is one of the best disc golfers in the country   Isaac Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, is a professional disc golfer and recently won the Professional Disc World Golf Championships in Vermont, earning $30,000 in prize money. He's been a pro for seven years and also won the Professional Disc Golf Association Champions Cup earlier in the year. Despite his impressive achievements, Robinson remains humble and focused on continuous improvement. He plays in numerous tournaments and travels internationally for competitions, enjoying the opportunity to explore national parks during his travels. Robinson's goal is to keep improving and defending his titles in the future. We'll be back in a moment   Break 3:  ESOG – Ingles 10   STORY 6: Former Brookwood, Georgia Southern star Chris Covington battling stage four cancer   Former Brookwood multi-sport star, Chris Covington, is battling stage four cancer, and friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his medical expenses. Covington excelled in football at Brookwood and later became an All-American football player at Georgia Southern. He has also worked in the public safety field as a firefighter and law enforcement officer. In early August, he was diagnosed with a stage four gastrointestinal tumor, requiring surgery and ongoing chemotherapy treatments, which have made him unable to work. Covington and his wife Ariel have two children, and donations are being sought to help cover his medical costs.   STORY 7: Positive Coaching Alliance to host free workshop at Shiloh   Positive Coaching Alliance is hosting a free workshop at Shiloh High School on September 26, aimed at parents seeking to enhance their children's youth and high school sports experiences. The organization combines insights from sports, educational psychology, and organizational behavior to foster a positive sports environment for young athletes. The workshop features expert speakers providing guidance, practical advice, and the opportunity to contribute to a positive sports community. It takes place at 6 p.m. in the Shiloh Theater, and attendees can RSVP online.   We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: Henssler 60 Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.wagesfuneralhome.com  www.psponline.com  www.mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.downtownlawrencevillega.com  www.gcpsk12.org  www.cummingfair.net www.disneyonice.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's podcast episode is about how AI affects women and other power stories. We will be joined by a special guest, Elena Bondarenko, who will enlighten us on the impact of AI on women and society. However, in the field of AI and technology, three myths emerged - Myth 1, AI is gender-neutral and free from bias. Myth 2, AI will replace women in the workforce. And Myth 3, AI cannot be used to address gender disparities. To know the truth behind these myths, stay tuned and gain valuable insights.Show Notes: Being a curious learner, this trait of Elena Bondarenko served as her guide through the fast paced evolving landscape of disruptive technology. Starting a career as a land use attorney, she eventually transformed into the public sector, working for the Downtown Development Authority in Miami. This role exposed her to the crypto and blockchain industries and offered a front-row seat to the talks shaping the future of these transformative technologies.However, Elena also noticed their inherent imperfections, particularly gender bias in AI. Realizing the serious consequences of this issue, especially in the hiring process, Elena voiced her advocacy for responsible AI usage to ensure it does not sustain harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Key points discussed: The capabilities of disruptive technologies in revolutionizing industry standards and frameworks.The world of blockchain and its role in enhancing carbon credit methodologies.Ways on how Web 3.0 and the impending metaverse could surely transform the real estate industry.The necessity for regulatory control to ensure a safe and ethical use of Generative AI.The essential of encouraging critical thinking skills in the pathway to AI-driven development. Connect with Elena Bondarenko: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bondarenko-elenaTwitter: https://twitter.com/elenabmiami?lang=enCORISMA Solutions (company website): https://www.corisma.net/The Miami Foundation (company website): https://miamifoundation.org/Connect with Halle Eavelyn: Website: goddessofcrypto.meYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoddessofCrypto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and longtime chef & beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.This week we took a quick trip over the Mighty Mac brought us to beautiful Sault Ste Marie, and we share what we found.Season 5, Episode 23:Our good friend, and Executive Director of the Sault Ste Marie Tourism and Convention Bureau, Linda Hoath, invited us up to record at Birdseye Outfitters, a fantastic little shop where you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, work or visit in a comfy setting all day, grab a craft beer later, and even book an outdoor adventure in the area.We have on Birdseye owners Ken and Wilda Hopper to learn more about this special place, what makes the Soo such a fun place to live, and how you can kayak through the locks right alongside a freighter if you are so inclined. Yes, you read that right. Check them out at https://www.birdseyeoutfitters.com/.Stephanie Sprecker just took over as the director of the Soo's Downtown Development Authority, and shares some of her excitement about what is happening throughout downtown. We also learn about one of the biggest days of the year in the Soo, Engineers Day which always happens on the last Friday in June, this year on June 30. It's an incredible opportunity to view and experience the locks up close and personal.And, did we mention that we kick the whole show off with THE Mayor of Sault Ste Marie, Don Gerrie?You don't want to miss this one! Get more information about the Soo and plan your trip at saultstemarie.com.This show aired June 10-11, 2023.BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.Affiliates:*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand RapidsFollow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten orTwitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.

Host Ron Hinrichs hosts a discussion of a $1.6 million grant dedicated to the redevelopment of the Downriver Detroit River waterfront with Joe Gruber and John D'Addona. Joe Gruber who for the past 7 years was Wyandotte’s executive director of its Downtown Development Authority was added to the DCC team as Economic Development Administrators, co-managing this new program. John D'Addona is the current Brownfield Program Manager for the DCC. Prior to joining the DCC team two years ago, John was an environmental consultant for 45 years, including the past 28 years as a Brownfield Specialist. Community Sponsor for the Destination Downriver Vodcast is The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes. Visit the website, www.martenson.com. Also sponsored in part by team sponsor Allegra Print and Design. Visit their website https://www.allegramarketingprint.com/locations/wyandotte-mi. Special thanks for Video and Podcast Audio Produced by the City Of Taylor, Scripts by Rich Williams-SMZ and Podcast presented by: Market Insights

Joining John on the conversation in this episode is Raphael Clemente, who serves as the Executive Director of West Palm Beach's DDA - the Downtown Development Authority. Raphael joined the DDA in 2006, bringing with him both experience and vision, which has led to the growth of West Palm Beach's downtown area. With new businesses, and the awarding of several grants to bring improvement to many local projects, Raphael is a true leader in his field.

A Michigan city agreed to pay $1,000 to a driver to settle a lawsuit about marking tires to catch parking violators. The deal in Bay City followed a declaration in August 2022 that a similar practice in Saginaw was illegal. U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington said chalking tires without a warrant violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. “The whole point of this is to set clear lines,” attorney Phil Ellison said. “Police just can't kick down your door. The same parallel here is when the government starts messing with our cars.” Jody Tyvela received tickets at least six times in 2016-17. Without having time meters, parking enforcers marked tires to determine who was parked too long in downtown Bay City. Tyvela will receive $1,000 and her attorneys will get $59,000 under the settlement with Bay City and the city's Downtown Development Authority. The Development Authority was responsible for most of it. Messages seeking comment were left with city officials. Thousands of parking tickets based on tire markings likely were written in Bay City. But the class-action status of the lawsuit fizzled because the city lacked complete records, Ellison said. And, like the Saginaw case, vehicle owners only would have received $1 for each marking, he said. “There was no good way to proceed,” Ellison said. The judge said tire marking was unconstitutional after Ellison won key decisions at a federal appeals court whose opinions cover Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. A federal appeals court with jurisdiction in nine western states made a different decision in October 2022 in a tire-marking case from San Diego.

Is a City Marshal system in our future and what would it look like?After a short hiatus, Rico and Brian are back with a new episode of Prime Lunchtime with The City Manager. There's a lot of new and exciting information about what's happening in the City of Peachtree Corners. Today's topics include; a possible future City Marshal System, The Redevelopment Authority and Downtown Development Authority plans, honorary road names, and much more.

Stewart Beal is a serial entrepreneur who brings extensive management, marketing, and leadership abilities to all Beal Capital projects. Stewart has been actively involved in real estate, construction, acquisition, development, and management since 1997. When he was nineteen years old, Stewart founded Beal Properties, LLC and has since founded more than twenty other companies in the real estate and construction industries. Beal Properties has purchased more than 100 properties over the past 17 years - in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Toledo, Detroit, Monroe, and Dundee. His company currently manages over 3,000 apartment units, office spaces, and single family homes. Beal Properties employs more than 60 team members in Michigan and Ohio. Stewart is a founding member of Watermark Partners, which manages a set of real estate funds that have raised and deployed more than $100 million in equity, closed more than 150 real estate transactions, and acquired more than 6,000 apartments over the past 5 years. Stewart has a degree in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University and has served on the board of Ypsilanti's Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti's Downtown Development Authority. He is a licensed real estate Broker in the State of Michigan. Under Stewart's leadership, Beal Properties and Beal Incorporated have won myriad of awards at local, state, and national levels including Inc. Magazine naming Beal Incorporated the 191st fastest growing privately-owned business in America in 2010. Beal Inc. and Beal Properties were both honored with Washtenaw County Fast Track awards, marking the first time that the President of two companies was recognized simultaneously. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartbeal/ https://www.beal-capital.com/ The CRE SharkEye Show https://www.youtube.com/c/YishaiBreslauer The best 6 secrets of commercial real estate download free The CRE Crash Course - Everything you need in order to get the Must Have Skills for Commercial Real Estate, in only 2 weeks

The post Rome Floyd Chamber Small Business Spotlight – Megan Otwell with Downtown Development Authority, and Selina Bradley and Amanda Weeks with Riverwood Senior Living appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Fresh off their pumpkin crawl, a few days into November, and with holiday songs on the radio, our talk turns to the upcoming holiday season. We sit down with the Ada Business Association and Downtown Development Authority, discussing all the events and holiday shopping that is, and will be, happening in the Ada area, the efforts over the last few years to build a thriving Ada community, and how the MRA has helped these groups to achieve this.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel's biggest headlines quickly dispensed.  The perfect OTC for people on the go! For the subscription-strength version, sign up for Your Daily Dose newsletter.   For more on these and other stories, visit our official website. TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES: CAMEO APPEARANCES MORE HOUSING IN STORE YES, PLEAS MILLER TIME

In today's episode, we welcome City of Perry Downtown Manager, Alicia Hartley. She gives up an update on the new happenings in Historic Downtown Perry. We also ask her for a sneak peek at what's next.  In this episode we discuss... (1:03) What's New?(2:36) It's A Hallmark Movie.(3:32) 1,000 Of Our Closest Friends(5:12) It's All In The Details(5:36) The True Heart of Downtown Perry(6:18) Shop, Dine...and Live?!(7:04) Parking & Walkability(7:46) Drink & Stroll(8:37) What's A Parklet?(9:15) Main Street Advisory Board(10:03) Downtown Development Authority(10:28) Welcome HomeLearn more about Historic Downtown Perry by visiting the City's website.Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!View the Downtown Parking map.View the Restaurant District map. If you like Inside Perry - subscribe and share the podcast with friends and family. We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together!

Wingin' It Wednesday panelists Mark Pope and Jacob White discuss Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan and the Chinese government's reaction to it. Also, Anita Begnaud CEO of Downtown Development Authority joins Bernie and Brandon to discuss the economic development happening in Downtown Lafayette, as well as a big announcement about the Downtown Alive and Bach Lunch Fall Series.

The post Rome Floyd Chamber Small Business Spotlight – Megan Otwell with the Downtown Development Authority, Hannah Bagley with Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful, and Ben Winkelman with the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel's biggest headlines quickly dispensed.  The perfect OTC for people on the go! For the subscription-strength version, sign up for Your Daily Dose newsletter.   For more on these and other stories, visit our official website. TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES: MORE HOUSING ON THE MARKET? A SHOT IN THE DARK A SPECIAL PLACE IN THEIR HEARTS PRIMARY SCHOOL  

It will be a busy and fun summer in Hancock. Deb Mann from the Downtown Development Authority shares information about Key Ingredients, Canal Rock Concerts and Summer Movies. Mike Babcock from the Hancock Canal Run discusses the Keweenaw's biggest summer race. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com This show is made possible by Noise Podcast Network https://www.NoisePodcastNetwork.com The City of Snellville and the Downtown Development Authority announced Friday that Northside Hospital will occupy two buildings in Phase II of The Grove at Town Center. The buildings will include physician offices, a surgery center, an urgent care and outpatient services, the announcement said.

A landmark of the northern Colorado art scene is turning 102 years old this year. The historic Rialto Theater in Loveland originally planned to celebrate its true centennial in 2020, when it would have turned 100. Because of the pandemic, though, those festivities had to be postponed – until now.  Visitors from all over Colorado flocked to the Rialto this week to share memories and to marvel at the lovingly restored building.  Guests enjoyed silent film screenings and special behind-the-scenes tours that took them through winding, cramped passageways below the stage and into the bright, newly designed community spaces.   KUNC's Erin O'Toole and Yoselin Meza Miranda tagged along on one of those tours, joining about a dozen guests who gathered in front of the main stage with small bags of fresh popcorn. Rialto theater manager Steve Lemmon and events coordinator Heather Rubald spoke about the work that's been done to update and expand the space. Most of the theater's aesthetic has been preserved. The seats are new, but have a vintage look, and the stylized flower murals on the walls have either been restored or painted to look almost exactly like the original.Rubald remembers when she used to go to the Rialto to watch movies. “It was a rather run-down movie theater, so we had mutated the name from Rialto to 'Rathole,'" she said with a laugh.Built in 1920, the Rialto was designed as a silent movie theater. In the late 1960's they tried to attract more visitors by installing a large movie screen and a snack bar. The building went through many changes over the years, and for a time it housed a shopping mall and office space. It was so rundown that it came perilously close to being torn down. In 1988 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. And after the Downtown Development Authority purchased the building, the process of restoring the Rialto to its original glory began.  Some of that work included expanding dressing rooms and adding a modern Green Room for performers.Donna Evans was one of those touring the theater. Years ago, she performed a few times at the Rialto as part of a choral group. There were only two tiny dressing rooms below the stage, and she remembers a Tae Kwon Do studio across the alley that would allow performers to change costumes there.“We had to go out through those back doors, run across all the parking and stuff, get in there [with] no privacy, change your costumes, run back across the thing, get back up on the stage again," Evans recalled. "It's much better now. It's beautiful.”Theater manager Steve Lemmon says much of the renovation was done by a group of volunteers who would come in Saturday mornings to work. “Slowly but surely they brought it back to life, and that's the only reason this theater's still open today,” he said.Of course any building that is over 100 years old has secrets. “We have a couple of ghosts that live here in the theater,” said Rialto technical coordinator Phil Baugh. One of those spirits haunting the theater is Clarence, a projectionist who worked from the 1940s and 50s. Baugh says Clarence messes with sound and light every now and then. There's also the infamous “woman in white," a performer from the vaudeville era who has allegedly been seen floating on the stage. She even has her favorite seat – J-16. “She was  in the middle of a performance and passed away in the dressing rooms,” said Baugh. “If you feel a little bit of a cold breeze, it just might be the woman in white.”For those interested in paranormal activities, the Rialto offers ghost tours in October, just in time for Halloween. But for this week, the focus is entirely on celebrating the here and now of this longtime cornerstone of the Loveland arts community.  “A lot of people who grew up here remember it in its heyday; they remember the tough times it went through; they remember the redemption story of all the community members who brought it back to life," said theater manager Steve Lemmon. "People feel like it's their theater, and that's really what a community theater should be.”   The Rialto's centennial celebration wraps up Saturday, May 21. Due to inclement weather, many of the events will be held inside the theater. Find more information and a full event schedule here.Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by Jackie Hai.The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel's biggest headlines quickly dispensed.  The perfect OTC for people on the go! For the subscription-strength version, sign up for Your Daily Dose newsletter.   For more on these and other stories, visit our official website. TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES: RESEARCH AND RESCUE HINDSIGHT IS 80-20 DEVELOPING ROOTS LET ME LEVEL WITH YOU

How does Sugar Hills Downtown area grow so rapidly in a controlled manner? Ask the Downtown Development Authority! That's right, our very own council member, Taylor Anderson, is a member of the DDA and helps keep our city growing in the right direction!

The post Rome Floyd Chamber Small Business Spotlight – Aundi Lesley with the Downtown Development Authority, Erica Simpson and Lucas Homburg with Open Bar Services, Julie Smith with TRED, and Tom Hart on behalf of TRED appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Episode Notes Marie Pucak, owner of Grosse Ile Pet and Garden Center and a member of Grosse ile's Downtown Development Authority talks about Ladies' Night Out, the DDA, and what's in store in her store this holiday season. Transcript Links Ladies' Night Out Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority DDA Facebook Grosse Ile Recreation Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center Christmas Jammie Drive Episode 6 about GI Pet & Garden Center Episode 10 about Christmas Jammie Drive Contact What's the Deal, Grosse Ile? Web Facebook Facebook Group Instagram Patreon Tip Jar (For One-Time or Recurring Contributions) WhatsTheDealGI@gmail.com (734) 250-9554 Music: Headlund / Thanks for the Time / Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/31ek2LInQK/

Welcome to Real Estate (Un)Success Stories. Join your host Cody Lewis as he discusses with Stewart Beal about the vital role of insurance in real estate, why cutting costs is not the way to go, the value of a proper insurance, and the painful realities when catastrophe strikes.   Stewart W. Beal is an aggressive serial entrepreneur who brings extensive management, marketing, and leadership abilities to any project.  Mr. Beal has been actively involved in real estate, construction, acquisition, development, and management since 1997.  Mr. Beal founded Beal Properties, LLC in 2002 at 19 years of age and has founded 20 other companies in the real estate and construction industries. Beal Properties has purchased more than 100 properties in the past 19 years in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Toledo, and downtown Detroit and currently manages over 3,000 apartments, office spaces, and single family homes.  Beal Properties currently employees more than 50 team members in Michigan and Ohio. Mr. Beal is a founding member of Watermark Partners, a group of real estate funds that have raised more than $100M in equity, conducted more than 150 real estate transactions, and acquired more than 6,000 apartments in the past 5 years. Mr. Beal has a degree in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University and has served on the boards of Ypsilanti's Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti's Downtown Development Authority.  Mr. Beal is a licensed real estate Broker in the State of Michigan.   Under Mr. Beal's leadership Beal Properties and Beal Incorporated have won numerous awards at local, state, and national levels culminating with Inc. Magazine naming Beal Incorporated the 191st fastest growing privately owned business in America in 2010.  In 2007, Crain's Detroit Business included Stewart Beal in their “20 in their 20's” feature, an annual article about rising entrepreneurs in Southeastern, Michigan.  In 2010 the United States Small Business Administration named Stewart Beal their “Michigan Young Entrepreneur of the Year” and their “Midwest Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”  Also in 2010 the Ypsilanti Jaycees named Stewart Beal their “2010 Michigan Rising Star” and both Beal Inc. and Beal Properties were honored with Washtenaw County Fast Track awards, with Stewart Beal being the first entrepreneur in the awards history to be President of two companies on the same list.     Main Takeaways   The Biggest Mistake That Will Cost You Everything The Detrimental Effect of Cutting Corners     Connect with Stewart https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartbeal/

For the final episode in a special three part series of Destination on the Left episodes, I visited the Destinations International 2021 Annual Convention and spoke with several attendees who are experts in the travel and tourism industry. These guests shared remarkable insights in their mini-interviews, and our conversations were focused on learning to adapt to the challenges we've all faced through the global pandemic and even embracing the disruption by innovating and getting creative. The brilliance each of these leaders shared is certain to be invaluable as we continue to navigate the pandemic. In this episode, you'll hear from these extraordinary leaders: Adam Johnson – Sales Manager at Zartico Annette Rummel – CEO of Great Lakes Bay CVB Michael Hensley – Travel Marketing Manager at Great Lakes CVB Greg DeShields – Executive Director of Tourism Diversity Matters Jim Walter – Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Visit Cheyenne Andi Jaspersen – Experience and Marketing Manager at Visit Cheyenne Melaine Rottkamp – President & CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc. Steve Powell – CEO of Destination Services Tiffany Gallagher – Eastern US Branch Manager for Civitas Wes Rhea – CEO of Visit Stockton Visionary Travel and Tourism Leaders at the Destinations International 2021 Annual Convention The Destinations International Annual Convention is an incredible yearly event that brings together experts from both within and outside of the travel and tourism industry, to exchange ideas and collaborative solutions for the many challenges our industry faces today. This year's convention was uniquely focused on the challenges and opportunities we have experienced over the past two years, and it was my honor to speak to some of the extraordinary guests to get their insights into where we started as the pandemic began, where we've been, and where we're going in the future of our industry in a post-pandemic world. Adam Johnson from Zartico Adam explains why the pandemic has taught many of us to be more nimble and flexible and taught us to see beyond year-over-year KPIs. He shares why he believes staying nimble will be crucial going forward, and he explains why working collaboratively with residents and local organizations will be crucial going forward. Adam shares why now is the ideal time to rethink how we've traditionally done things and break out of our habits and rituals. Annette Rummel & Michael Hensley from Great Lakes Bay CVB Annette and Michael explain why “Semper Gumby” (forever flexible) has been the theme they've attempted to embrace throughout the pandemic. They share how being creative and tackling immediate challenges while remembering long-term goals has been key. They share how data has been central to their recovery strategy, and they discuss the importance of not viewing disruption as a “negative” but rather as an opportunity to realign, correct for vulnerabilities, and innovate. Greg DeShields from Tourism Diversity Matters Greg talks about how the biggest positive disruption he has experienced has been seeing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) moving to the forefront of the industry in the last 18 months. He shares why every level of the industry needs to consider their DEI position. He explains why this greater focus on DEI is beneficial for the entire industry and creates opportunities to broaden messages and reach more people. He shares how today's customers have higher DEI expectations from the travel and tourism sector than ever before. Jim Walter & Andi Jaspersen from Visit Cheyenne Jim and Andi discuss how disruption lies at the core of the work they do. They explain how their duties have expanded to encompass the Downtown Development Authority as well. They talk about why standing still isn't an option and always pushing and growing has been key to their success. They also share how partnerships in their community have been powerful, impactful and important. Melaine Rottkamp from Dutchess Tourism Melaine explains why your ability to embrace change is key to your success and survival, regardless of the industry you're operating in. She highlights how organizations who have embraced new opportunities have survived and thrived through the pandemic crisis. She explains how outdoor experiences have become key attractions throughout the area during the pandemic, with outdoor trails and gardens being instrumental “hidden gems” and revenue generators even as the indoor spaces have remained closed. Steve Powell from Destination Services Steve shares his perspective that “disruption” is nothing more than the introduction of new generational cultures. He explains why technology is reshaping the industry and will be central to the “new norm”. He talks about how the pandemic has accelerated changes that were already coming, and how the things we've had to sacrifice through the pandemic have given us a new appreciation for life and work experiences. Tiffany Gallagher from Civitas Tiffany talks about how the disruption has created opportunities for a brighter future by shining a light on things we've ignored and neglected for too long. She shares how the loss of tourism income and other pandemic financial impacts have shown us how essential tourism is to the overall health of our economy. She believes leveraging this new level of attention and understanding will make the industry stronger in the long term. Wes Rhea from Visit Stockton Wes discusses why he believes examining data will be crucial moving forward, and he talks about how using geolocation data can answer a number of questions and give us new insights. He shares how collaboration with vendors has been key over the course of the pandemic. He also discusses the importance of rolling DEI efforts into our organizations. He celebrates Stockton being named the most diverse city in the nation, and he looks toward the future and even bigger DEI initiatives and efforts. Embracing Change and Welcoming Disruption Many of these leaders spoke of the importance of not becoming entrenched in our old ways of doing things and instead focusing on innovation, new solutions and flexibility. Greater diversity, equity and inclusion in our marketing efforts and outreach will be crucial moving forward. And, for all the chaos and turmoil the pandemic has caused, it has also given us a rare opportunity to reexamine how we do things and challenge our own assumptions. I want to thank all of the extraordinary travel and tourism experts who shared their wisdom with me over this three-part special series. These visionaries and trailblazers are finding solutions to the unprecedented challenges our industry faces today, and they are paving the way for a bright future for travel, tourism and hospitality in a post-pandemic world. I hope you've enjoyed hearing the unique insights and perspectives all 26 of these leaders generously shared with me at the Destinations International 2021 Annual Convention. Thank you so much for joining the conversation! Together, we can apply the lessons we've learned during the pandemic to strengthen our industry as a whole. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

Christi sits down with Greg Caton, the City Manager for the City of Grand Junction.  Get an overview of some of the big projects happening in the city, how we are faring after a crazy year+ of COVID, and what the city is looking to in the future.  Bonus - Greg answers his own phone and emails, so don't hesitate to reach out to him with your questions and ideas for Grand Junction!Learn more about what is happening with the city at their website!

Clearview on Business — a new podcast from the Clearview Library District — showcases the amazing local businesses in the communities we serve. Every two weeks, host Kelly Hall, Business Resource Librarian, and guests will interview a local business owner. In these quick, 10-minute interviews, we'll introduce you to the business and encourage you to shop locally as much as you can. You'll be surprised by these great entrepreneurs. Claire Brogden, the owner of Windsor Lake Coffee, greatly appreciates the sense of community in downtown Windsor. She has worked in coffee since high school and loves what she does. Her ever-changing healthy(ish) lunch options are popular with those working and shopping downtown All of the shops baked goods, coffee and ice cream are sourced from Colorado vendors. Kelly Hall is joined by her guest co-host Matt Ashby, the Director of Windsor's Downtown Development Authority. Location: 430 Main Street, Windsor Website: https://windsorlakecoffee.com/ Phone: 970-445-4124 Year Established: 2018 Business' hours / services may have changed. Check out their website for the latest information. The views expressed on this podcast are those of the business owner, and not necessarily those of the Clearview Library District. An interview on this podcast is not an endorsement or referral by the district.

When you think of Downtown Ann Arbor, there is usually one name that springs to mind: Susan Pollay. The former longtime director of the Downtown Development Authority talks to Rishi about her decades of service in community centered organizations in Ann Arbor, along with some great stories about the Downtown! ----Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsI Am Ann Arbor is sponsored by:Underground Printing - Visit UGP for all your custom printed apparel and promotional product needs!Old Hat Creative -  The nation's leading sports marketing firm, having partnered with more than 200 sports organizations across all leagues and levels.Follow I Am Ann Arbor: Instagram | Facebook | TwitterA Member of Podcasts United. 

When you think of Downtown Ann Arbor, there is usually one name that springs to mind: Susan Pollay. The former longtime director of the Downtown Development Authority talks to Rishi about her decades of service in community centered organizations in Ann Arbor, along with some great stories about the Downtown! ----Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsI Am Ann Arbor is sponsored by:Underground Printing - Visit UGP for all your custom printed apparel and promotional product needs!Old Hat Creative -  The nation's leading sports marketing firm, having partnered with more than 200 sports organizations across all leagues and levels.Follow I Am Ann Arbor: Instagram | Facebook | TwitterA Member of Podcasts United. 

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally. Let's get cooking! Jenni Morejon is the President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA is a public-private partnership created in 1965 by the Florida State Legislature to promote growth and investment in Downtown Fort Lauderdale—a growing urban center in the Southeast Florida region of 6 million people. The core purpose of the DDA is to build Downtown Fort Lauderdale into a vibrant metropolitan city that continuously evolves as a global destination while inspiring all to live like locals. Jenni oversees projects that require close collaboration with federal, state and local governments and a diverse group of public and private stakeholders. The DDA's broad scope of work spans from major capital projects and public space improvements, to business attraction and advocacy for continued growth and livability. Prior to joining the DDA, Jenni was the director of the sustainable development department for the City of Fort Lauderdale. She led the consolidation of five operating departments into one and was then responsible for city planning, economic development, housing programs, code compliance and building permits. Under her leadership, the department processed a then- record number of development applications and building permits while adopting major updates to the Florida Building Code and city zoning code. Jenni serves on the national Public-Private Partnerships Product Council for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the management committee for the ULI's Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council. She's served on the board of directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce since 2015 and is the past chair of the Chamber's Downtown Council and current chair of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Coalition. Jenni graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and is a graduate of the Chamber's Leadership Fort Lauderdale program and Leadership Broward's Women Leading Broward. https://www.ddaftl.org/ For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

There is a lot of interest brewing in Fort Lauderdale and its Downtown Development Authority is ready for it. The last year has a higher pace of projects with an emphasis on tactical actions, President & CEO Jenni Morejon told Invest:Insights. Resonating this message to a national audience while making local neighborhood improvements has guided the authority's focus. Fort Lauderdale is a model of how the private and public sector can work together to transform and adapt in a difficult situation, Morejon said. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://www.ddaftl.org/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

You'll be inspired by Sarah and Thaddeus Shrader of Bonsai Design in this month's Full Circle Podcast!  From their work building world class adventure courses, to their commitment to the outdoors, to their role in the development of Riverfront at Las Colonias on the Colorado River, these guys are doing incredible work in our community and beyond!Check out their website to learn more about them!

Oct 12, 2020Thank you to our sponsor Palm Tran for making this episode possible. Learn more at: palmtran.org Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, believes the city is well-suited to weather out the economic storm. He noted during his interview with Invest:Insights that West Palm Beach has a charming downtown area with outdoor entertainment and an environment that is great for its residences but also attractive to those who are trying to flee the Northeast. The Downtown Development Authority has adapted well to the business communities’ needs with a variety of programs from Downtown To Go to Dining on the Spot to cleaning and providing health sanitation assistance. For more information about our interviewee, visit: https://downtownwpb.com/ Register to read all Capital Analytics reports for free: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociate...

Discover the charming, unique downtown district of Niles in this episode with Lisa Croteau. Her 20 years as Program Manager of Niles DDA Main Street has showcased events, festivals, shopping, services and restaurants - this year keeping the faith despite coronavirus.

Weld Found is on location at 477 Distilling in this episode. We hear tales of the "spirits of downtown Greeley" from magician and storyteller Paul Noffsinger, while enjoying the "spirits of downtown Greeley" crafted by Matt Estrin, owner of 477 Distilling. The episode closes with Bianca Fisher, executive director of Greeley's Downtown Development Authority. 

Hannah Gumbo incorporates fun and whimsy into each of her artistic creations. Whether it is a 43 foot "Legacy Barn Mural" designed to tell the story of a beloved family member, a commissioned piece which captures the essence of Rodgers and Hammerstein's My Favorite Things, or illustrations for children's book, The Book That Wanted To Be Red written by Jerica Guillory, Hannah Gumbo's signature leaves a colorful imprint on beautifully designed art that is one of a kind. Darrell Smith, left, and Hannah Gumbo in front of the barn being painted by Gumbo at 1444 Highway 758 in Eunice LA. The 43-foot mural celebrates the life of the late Calvin Smith. (Photo on left by Harlan Kirgan). More about this story may be read in the Eunice News here. A Lafayette native, Hannah was homeschooled until she entered high school when she encountered visual art teacher, Kathy Reed, who she credits for inspiring her and many other Acadiana artists. Reed would take her students on field trips and invite area artists to come to school to share their passion for design. Hannah realized through Reed's example and nurturing that art and expression were paths worth pursuing. While she never thought she would "work" as an artist, she looked at art classes as a gift and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UL - Lafayette with a concentration in painting & printmaking. And, 'art' is definitely her day job and passion! Hannah's work has evolved since she graduated and while she was trained to paint and draw, she joking said that her worst grade was in digital art. Ironically, today she incorporates digital art into most of her designs. Hannah uses a Wacom, which is akin to large iPad, and hops back and forth from sketches on paper and on the digital pen drawing tablet. The device allows Hannah to scale her drawings and try different colors as she works with her clients and tries out different colors and effects before finalizing the ultimate design. Hannah's desire is to make art fun and easy, more accessible, and less intimidating to people. She loves public art because it is available to all to enjoy. She tells people, "Don't worry about dissecting art intellectually....ask yourself, 'How do you feel about it?" Hannah Gumbo in front of the mural she painted on the Sides & Associates building in Downtown Lafayette. The work was commissioned by Downtown Development Authority and Sides. COVID has affected Hannah just as it has so many other artists experiencing the cancellation of so many festivals and outdoor markets. Yet this time has also afforded an opportunity to indulge herself with a "Passion Project." Inspired by 100 Day Projects of other artists, she created the "Sunday Hairies" and committed to create 100 watercolor and gel pen portraits of original and iconic hairstyles sported by celebrities. Sold on Etsy, she released seven new portraits each Sunday. Hannah Gumbo created the Sunday Hairies to create 100 original works illustrating iconic hairstyles of celebrities such as Colonel Sanders, Farrah Fawcett, and Red Lerille, which were sold on Etsy. Making a living as a freelance artist entails wearing a lot of hats, and Hannah has learned that one of the most important is communicating clearly when defining expectations of the end result. She's learned to clarify what the client is envisioning prior to completing the final product to ensure that everyone is happy at the end of the day when the project is complete. "The silver lining is that I really get to know people and bring their visions to life." Hannah Gumbo's work may be viewed at hannahgumbo.com. Hannah and her husband plan to travel more as they both work remotely from home. Her family instilled a love of travel and they have been in competition to see who could be the first to travel to all fifty states. While Hannah has been to 49 states, her parents beat her out about a month ago as they checked off travel to all 50 states! Rather than "work,

Today’s guest is Ilona Vega. She is part of the fantastic business development team at the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Ilona will explain to use how the Miami DDA works and how they bring business to Miami. Miami enjoys beautiful weather, low taxes, and amongst many other benefits; no personal income tax. So listen up and bring your business to Miami and its beaches.

The post Rome Floyd Chamber Small Business Spotlight – Aundi Lesley, the Director of the Downtown Development Authority, and Dr. Heath Hooper, the Dean of the Ledbetter College Of Business at Shorter University appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Kyle Bacon, head of Jones Walkers' Lafayette office, joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss developments in downtown Lafayette, as well as today’s commercial business climate. A Lafayette native and graduate of Lafayette High, UL-Lafayette, and LSU Law School where he was on the Louisiana Law Review, Bacon is a co-leader of Jones Walker’s commercial transactions team. His clients’ interests include oil and gas, banking, real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing. The Lafayette office of Jones Walker is one of 13 offices the firm has across the country and is the largest law firm situated in downtown Lafayette with 17 lawyers on site. Jones Walker began in New Orleans and has had a presence in Lafayette for over 30 years; the Lafayette group was its first office outside of the New Orleans market. Situated at the top of Chase Tower on Jefferson Street, Bacon's office offers a bird's-eye view of downtown activities. The firm's typical clients are midsize to large and most are in need of business defense matters. Bacon's work focuses on the transactional side of law and he explained that one of the benefits of hiring a large law firm is that they can offer specialized counsel in complex issues that may involve out-of-state matters. Bacon is a proponent of seeing the continued growth of downtown and says, "It is the front porch of our community. Downtown is the epicenter of our cultural identity here in Lafayette and Acadiana. It's an important connector to the university and it's critical that we keep downtown vibrant. Festival International is such a symbol of what Downtown is all about. It's the center of our community where everyone feels welcome. We can all come together and feel as one." "Downtown is the epicenter of our cultural identity here in Lafayette and Acadiana. It's an important connector to the university and it's critical that we keep downtown vibrant. Festival International is such a symbol of what Downtown is all about. It's the center of our community where everyone feels welcome." Most law firms used to be located downtown which made sense as that is the locale of the Lafayette Parish courthouse and other court-related entities. Over time as South Lafayette has expanded, many lawyers have set up shop across the parish. Bacon believes that the trend could be reversed if local government officials made a concerted decision to focus efforts on downtown development. He compared this to how downtown Baton Rouge has blossomed in the past twenty years with state government's push to concentrate its offices downtown in lieu of being scattered across the city. This focus in our State Capitol spurred more development as downtown flourished and enjoyed renewed activity after years of decline. With the dedicated professionals of Downtown Development Authority working on attracting residential housing and more retail, and the commitment of LEDA's Opportunity Machine and Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission to locate downtown, he's hopeful that more may follow suit. Bacon stated that "these developments can spur additional activity. Other folks will follow. Downtown settings also allow people to interact easily; we're social beings." Growing up off Johnston Street in Lafayette, Bacon remembers the times when downtown was dormant. He discussed how dead downtown similarly looked during March and April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 shutdown. When businesses were allowed to reopen in May, downtown started coming back to life but with the resurgence of the pandemic, it's a little slow again. Jones Walker survived the chaos in getting their offices back to work after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and remembered lessons learned from being a New Orleans-based law firm dealing with the aftermath. They never missed a beat in welcoming visitors and clients when the shutdown occurred in March 2020; they check temperatures of everyone entering their offices,

In this episode of the Full Circle, Christi interviews Brandon Stam, the Executive Director of Downtown Grand Junction.  Brandon talks about the exciting new developments in the Downtown scene, the effect of COVID-19 on the community and businesses, and explains the roles of the Business Improvement District and the Downtown Development Authority.  To learn more about Downtown Grand Junction, visit their website at https://downtowngj.org/.If you prefer to watch your podcasts, check out our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/C58StZ5pNAA

Louis Avallone and Stephen Parr talk about the impact of giving tax breaks and other “economic gifts” to big businesses and how it hurts the small local businesses in the process. In conclusion, they say the Downtown Development Authority says Cross Bayou Development will kill downtown Shreveport and the only people who will benefit from it are Larry English and his buddies.

Louis Avallone and Stephen Parr talk about the impact of giving tax breaks and other “economic gifts” to big businesses and how it hurts the small local businesses in the process. In conclusion, they say the Downtown Development Authority says Cross Bayou Development will kill downtown Shreveport and the only people who will benefit from it are Larry English and his buddies.

Today's headlines: Ware Mechanical Weather Center: The latest on our overnight weather that left more than 1,000 without power thanks to gusts of 29 mph. New Year's Eve: Clear, low 40s. Politics: Darlington grad Marie Hodge Gordon reflects on her 16 years of service with U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson as he retires Tuesday. Statesman John Lewis of Atlanta announces he’s battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. Dining: Sammy's American Grill opens in West Rome. Downtown Development Authority thanks restaurant/brewery owner Jay Shell for seven years of service. New Year's travel updates: Gas prices climb. Also: Patrols continue into the new year following a Christmas travel period that was as deadly as 2018 (14 fatalities) in less than half as much time. Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia (and a little bit beyond our borders). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/john-druckenmiller/support

www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com Lawrenceville along with development partners, NorthPointe Hospitality Management, LLC, recently broke ground on a new 380-space public parking deck and 120-room boutique Hilton Tapestry Hotel called “The Lawrence” at the corner of Crogan and Jackson Street.City Manager Chuck Warbington said of the project, “The city and our Downtown Development Authority are continuing to work innovatively with solid developers like NorthPointe to realize a vision for community engagement in our core. This hotel project provides the area market with a much needed option for overnight-stay while delivering additional parking options to serve our community on a daily basis.”SOURCE: www.AJC.com#GwinnettCountyPodcast, #Podcast, #DailyHoroscopes

Jordan Ring is a Shreveport native for the most part, starting the I Heart Shreveport blog earlier this year to help people remember all the great things we have to love about Shreveport. She wants people to dream big dreams for Shreveport. When she's not blogging about Shreveport, she is the Associate Director of the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy. Liz, a top assistant to former Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower, was hired in 2010 as executive director of the city's Downtown Development Authority. Since then, Shreveport's core has come alive. She needs no further introduction of course, but this 2017 Shreveport Times article does a great job for us: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/community/most-influential-woman/2017/09/07/liz-swaine-if-im-not-willing-do-it-why-should-expect-others-to/618768001/

In this episode, we talk with Keith Case who is the Lead Pastor / Church Planter at Providencia in West Palm Beach, Florida. West Palm Beach is a fairly walkable community that also includes a couple of significant barriers to walkability – namely the existence of a four lane arterial that cuts the downtown off from the waterfront as well as a notable lack of street trees. In our conversation, we drill down on the requisite elements of walkability and discuss what Keith and his church are doing to improve the walkability of their community. A major part of Providencia's mission strategy is to partner with civic organizations such as Connect West Palm Beach, the Downtown Development Authority, and others. Keith and his church love to celebrate with their neighbors and so it's fitting that we conclude the show with a story of a birthday party for Keith in which everybody was invited.Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.Related ResourcesWalkable City by Jeff SpeckThe Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane JacobsConnect West Palm BeachShow CreditsHosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy ProppeEdited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice ProductionsTheme Music by Jacob ShafferArtwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative

Candice Battiste is the Power Coalition’s North Louisiana Organizer where she is committed to building voices and power in traditionally disenfranchised communities and bringing together groups across the North with a mission to organize in impacted communities, educate and turn out votes, and fight for policies that create a more equitable and just system in Louisiana. She graduated from Haughton High school where she was elected the first black woman student body president in their 100 year history, is an alum of Louisiana State University and earned her law degree from the Southern University Law Center. There, she served as President of Law Students for Reproductive Justice and was a recipient of the prestigious Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Fellowship. Upon graduation, Candice helped form the Family Law Unit of Legal Services of North Louisiana. She was the past LA State Director of Project ID, former Shreveport-Bossier Field organizer with the Unanimous Jury Coalition/Yes On 2 campaign, worked for Mayor Adrian Perkins' campaign as his Public Relations and Social Media strategist, serves on the Citizen She Board of Directors, was recently elected to the ACLU of Louisiana Board of Directors, past Vice President of the Women's Democratic Club of Northwest Louisiana, serves on the executive board of the New Leaders Council as the Selections Co-Chair, is on the Downtown Development Authority for Shreveport, and was selected as a United Nations Association Delegate. When Candice is not discussing progressive politics and working to affect positive change, she is with family and friends or can be found traveling to one of Louisiana’s many food and music festivals.

In the eight months she has been on the job since beginning in October 2018, Anita Begnaud has proven herself to be an inspirational catalyst for getting things done. As CEO of Downtown Development Authority, her role is to facilitate the development of downtown Lafayette by attracting new amenities, buildings, developments, jobs, and residents. Anita's high energy, ability to connect with people and attention to detail have proven to be a winning combination as downtown is poised for explosive growth in the coming years. Her work experience includes stints at Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Acadiana Economic Development, IBERIABANK, and One Acadiana, all of which taught her how to navigate governmental relations, social media marketing, and economic development issues. The Authority is funded with property tax millages assessed on commercial buildings within the district, with a budget of approximately $450,000 per year. While DDA doesn’t have the means to buy buildings or build infrastructure, its work encompasses all the intangible efforts to spearhead Lafayette’s downtown revitalization and continued growth. DDA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with attorney Miles Matt serving as President, attorney Lisa Thomas serving as Secretary, along with board members Mike Delcambre, Ross Fontenot, Jim Keaty, Gus Rezende, and Greg Walls. Recent announcements of companies adding staff to downtown Lafayette such as Waitr (200 jobs), the Opportunity Machine (80 plus emerging companies), and other established companies such as Perficient, have proven that the urban core of Lafayette is a desirable location for a variety of businesses. It is also the hub of Lafayette's legal community with the state and federal courthouses and law firms populating the area. DDA's focus over the next couple of years will be attracting "jobs and rooftops," as people increasingly want to be able to live close to where they work. Rather than commuting into work and leaving at 5 p.m., there is a pressing demand for residences to accommodate the growing number of diverse jobs populating the downtown area. This translates into a growing need for more retail, grocery stores, and of course, adequate parking. Throughout the interview, Anita referenced two documents that provide guidelines for growth and building downtown. The Downtown Lafayette Action Plan sets forth a comprehensive vision for how downtown can be enhanced to provide the option of high-quality city living and thus leveraged as a benefit for the entire region. The plan sets forth specific recommendations, based upon community input, to improve public spaces and parking, analyzing returns on infrastructure investment to ensure the highest transactional benefit to the entire community, enabling a transit loop to UL-Lafayette and back, and many more initiatives. The second document, the Downtown Lafayette Code interfaces with the Unified Development Code and directly governs building restrictions. The DDA hosts a monthly Lunch and Learn series which educates on issues facing downtown. The next luncheon will be held on July 24, 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and focuses on "Accessibility" as many downtown sidewalks are not accessible to the disabled. Tickets may be obtained here. The August luncheon will focus on "Safety" and the enhanced security measures being undertaken such as an increase in the number of police officers patrolling the area. Facade Improvement Grants have helped small businesses in the downtown district to improve storefronts. An example is Rukus Board Shop which received funding assistance to install an awning and create new signage. These types of grants are utilized by business districts throughout the U. S. and are proven to help small business owners stay in business as they are enabled to improve their storefront. When asked what Anita's dream is for downtown, she spoke about the need for a 100 room hotel that could acc...

Hometown Headlines's first long-form podcast (45 minutes) focuses on parking in downtown Rome, including problems and what's possibly ahead. Two of the most passionate people we know when it comes to downtown Rome, Harry Brock and Jay Shell, join host John Druckenmiller to review perhaps the story of the year in Northwest Georgia. Recorded in the new podcast center at Brand Red studio off Fifth Avenue and Bale Street, the two downtown business owners talk about the parking battles that have consumed restaurant and business owners, the Downtown Development Authority and City Hall as well as the most critical element that all sides practically ignored -- customers. Make that angry customers. They talk about restaurant owners seeing sales drop by thousands of dollars this year vs. last, in part because of the duplicated smoking ordinances but also the roll out of new parking requirements. Even their most loyal customers tell of plans to abandon regular trips to Broad Street as they're tired of the hassles they experience when they try to come downtown to spend money. Both Brock and Shell see Monday's scheduled second and final reading of City Commissioner Craig McDaniel's proposal to grant three hours of free parking daily and rolling back enforcement to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday as just a baby step toward needed efforts to change the perception of downtown shopping and dining. And that's assuming commissioners vote in favor of it; a no vote effectively would table the idea and they fear an even larger customer backlash if that happens. Both also are watching the potential impact of the East Bend center (formerly Kmart) and its 20 to 28 new stores and restaurants; they're concerned about how much business could be sucked off Broad Street and into a retail center with plenty of free parking. These next four days leading up to the 6:30 p.m. Monday City Commission meeting are critical. Join us for our downtown parking podcast to get a better understanding of what's gone on and what's ahead. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/john-druckenmiller/support

What is the role of the Downtown Development Authority? Who's running the ship? Executive Director, Raph Clemente, gives us insight into the how, what and why behind this "cousin" of city hall. He's good people . . . a true advocate for you and I.

Here in Southwest Louisiana we are buffeted by elements and forces largely beyond our control. We don t have the luxury of debating whether climate change is man made or a natural phenomenon. Whomever is causing it man or nature we have to live with the reality that changing weather is bringing one hundred and 500 year storms far more frequently than centuries apart. And eroding coasts are robbing us of the very land that some of us live on. Alongside that, the economies of our urban centers and small towns have been, for a long time, at the mercy of the vagaries of international oil prices. You might wonder what the heck these broad brush subjects have got to do with you, your house, or your daily errands. YOu re about to find out Aileen s lunch guests are both involved in making the link between where we live and how we live. It s a link you might not normally think about, but it s fascinating. And vital. Geoff Dyer is the CEO and Director of Design for the Downtown Development Authority in Lafayette. Geoff is an urban designer with an international reputation. He s designed more than 80 projects in 18 states across the US. He s both an enthusiast and an authority on downtown revitalization. Which is what he specializes in here in Lafayette. Ursula Emery McClure is a founding partner in the firm Emery McClure Architecture, and occupies the prestigious seat of A. Hays Town Professor in the School of Architecture at LSU. Ursula has won numerous international prizes for her architecture and her firm s work is internationally recognized as well. Here at home, Ursula s designs are sometimes controversial as she champions forward thinking design while, as she puts it, "being caught between the global petro chemical infrastructure and an alligator." Photos from lunch at Social in Lafayette. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent West Palm Beach Mayor / City Commission workshop, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Raphael Clemente started his presentation by asking the question, "What's wrong with Downtown". We explore that question. Show notes, links, and discussion points: What makes a place "sticky"? How is Subculture Coffee a good example of creating a "sense of place"? Large deep storefronts present unique difficulties. Can alleys behind those spaces be part of the solution?  The current master plan is based on assumptions that have changed. Is it time to revisit it? One of our greatest assets is _______? Video of Mayor / Commission Work Session. Downtown Development Authority

As we have seen once again, as a result of the catastrophic rain and floods in recent weeks, one of the hallmarks of life in Acadiana, including business life, is an awareness of the importance of giving back. Both during times of urgent need, and in times of less urgency, one effective way of returning wealth to the community is by way of the Community Foundation of Acadiana. Since its founding in 2000 the Foundation has received 170m from over six thousand local donors. It has distributed 80m. It currently has a further 80m to invest in the local and regional community. The President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Acadiana is Raymond Hebert. Downtown Lafayette is the economic heart of Acadiana. And it s making a considerable effort to make itself not just the physical, but also the cultural and social center, of both the city of Lafayette and the region. Downtown Lafayette is not just a place. It s also the name of an organization that creates and promotes activities Downtown including Downtown Alive , Artwalk, and a slew of other events. Downtown Lafayette is an outgrowth of the Downtown Development Authority. Its Director of Marketing and Events is Kate Durio. As Acadiana begins to be made whole again after the dive in the oil industry and the devastating floods, we can all begin to benefit from a resurgent economy. Photos at Social by Gwen Aucoin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Community Capital to the Rescue In this episode Amy Pearl and Simon Love speak with Amy Cortese (author, journalist, and founder of Locavesting), and Chris Miller (economic and downtown developer of Adrian, Michigan). Chris discusses the inspiration provided by Locavesting and the impact that crowdfunding has had on the city of Adrian. The discussion moves to the shift from investing in Wall Street to investing in one’s community and the associated economic and community benefits.  They answer big questions such as how to balance individual gains (mitigating risk and making a profit) with being an ethical member of the community.  Amy and Chris also provide pointers to discern a real local market from the façade of one.    In This Episode You’ll Learn Inspirational stories of economic development in Michigan and the City of Adrian  How “Cops and Donuts” became a success story in Clare, Michigan  What state representatives can do to help local businesses How risky local investing really is What led Amy Cortese to write the book Locavesting How to I tap your own community as a business owner  How Tecumseh Brewing Co. crowdfunded their dream microbrewery  How to attract a conventional loan from a community bank with a crowdfunding first round  How community investing is a new asset class, and what if Wall Street stocks became the minority of investment activity? Which markets are truly local   Links Locavesting by Amy Cortese http://www.locavesting.com/the-book/ City of Adrian Community Development http://adriancity.com/services/community-development/ Michigan Regulator LARA https://www.michigan.gov/lara/ Hatch Innovation’s "Let’s be Frank" video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzw5uTBHM6M Tecumseh Brewinghttp://www.tecumsehbrewingco.com Cops and Donuts, City of Clare https://copsdoughnuts.com   Bios    Amy Cortese is an award-winning journalist who writes about topics spanning business, finance, food, wine and travel. Her work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, New York, Business Week, the New York Times, the Daily News, Portfolio, Mother Jones, Afar, The American, the Daily Beast, Talk, Business 2.0, and Wired, among other publications. Her recently published book, Locavesting: The Revolution in Local Investing and How to Profit From it (John Wiley & Sons, 2011), draws upon her experience covering these diverse realms to explore how a small shift in investment away from multinationals towards locally-owned enterprises can reap enormous economic and social benefits for individuals, their communities and the country.    Amy Pearl draws on extensive experience in the education, corporate, and social sectors to shape a vision of how we might address global challenges by activating a new kind of community leader. An inveterate educator and strategist, she designed unique programs such as Local Agenda and Challenge and Change that teach adults and youth social entrepreneurship skills in high-need, under-served communities. She first envisioned ChangeXchange, the first American social innovation exchange while at the Skoll World Forum; and, envisioned HATCH in 2009. Her own career has taken her from the classroom and school district to the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, to managing Intel’s online international education initiatives.   Chris Miller is the lead economic and downtown developer for the City of Adrian, in SE Michigan. He came to this position with a background in business, a career in education that included private and international schools, and non-profit and government leadership work. He worked as a city commissioner and Downtown Development Authority board member, and served as chairperson of the regional chamber of commerce, symphony orchestra, and housing development coalition.

Jenny's made a career of helping as many people as possible. As the former head of regional chapters of the YWCA, Head Start, Susan G Komen for the Cure, and the Lakeland Health Foundation, JENNY MINER is a dedicated advocate for women, LGBT, victims of domestic violence, racism, child abuse, and disadvantaged minorities in southwest Michigan. Yeah, but she grew up an upper class white girl in a nice leafy suburb of Grand Rapids. And currently she’s Executive Director of Water Street Glassworks, a nonprofit school for the arts in Benton Harbor. Huh? Fear not, she’ll explain it all for us. Also this week: Vacation is over and we’re both still coping with Michigan State’s shocking ouster from the NCAA Tournament. March Madness, indeed. Maybe a visit to a Russian bathhouse for a rubdown from a guy named Vasili will help…or attending Easter “Ass Mass.” Kelsch needs all the help he can get since this podcast is now affecting his day job. JENNY MINER Jenny serves on Benton Harbor’s Downtown Development Authority, is treasurer of the Twin City Players local theatre group, and was selected to participate in the first nationwide Listen to Your Mother program in 2015 (feel inadequate yet?). She’s also a certified grant writer, a non-profit consultant, a wife, and the mother of two teenage girls. AND she was able to accomplish all this despite the scars of dating one of us in high school. Check out: WATER STREET GLASSWORKS: www.waterstreetglassworks.org TWIN CITY PLAYERS: www.twincityplayers.org LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER: www.listentoyourmothershow.com Jenny’s LTYM appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT4H9B-8L_c MIDDLEGROUND: The Podcast – Midlife. Midwest. Middle of Everything. Chris & Chris are a couple guys trying to sort shit out and find some balance. Now on iTunes AND Stitcher - Subscribe to MIDDLEGROUND! facebook.com/middlegroundthepodcast twitter.com/MGthepodcast IG: middleground_the_podcast Email us! chrisandchrismg@gmail.com

In this episode you learn more about your Downtown Development Authority Program Manager. Darren Harper. He will discuss the fun fall events that will be taking place downtown Blairsville including Hometown Halloween on the Square and Scarecrow-Ville. Listen in to get the scoop on these events, and mark your calendar today!

Blairsville Connect is pleased to have as our featured interview this week, Janet Hartman of the Downtown Development Authority. In this episode you'll hear Janet speak about the process involved in order to bring about improvements to the downtown Blairsville area. You will also find out how Janet and her family found their way to the north Georgia mountain region and what she finds so appealing about the area.

We were pleased to have Colleen Urbaniuk join us this week. Listen in and get informed about the upcoming Green Bean Festival and the block party that will take place downtown in association with that. Colleen also provides for us an insider view of the vision the Downtown Development Authority has for the downtown Blairsville area. Learn more about Seasons Inn at http://seasons-inn.com.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9A2 Open City Hall debutsAnn Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.Fire restructure proposal meetings In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city's five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road.Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.   Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.    Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room.Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand. More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website. Be street savvyThe streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city's “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.Fall/Winter registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.Solid waste plan updateThe City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings.After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations. Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.)Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December. Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates.CTN hours changeBeginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Wednesday: 4–9 p.m.CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information. CERT Program registrationThe Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion.The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlightsAnn Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje's Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor's latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights. The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured.LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs. Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality.Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilotAccording to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow.U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M's Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world. The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website. WATS public meetingThe Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative. Connecting William StreetJoin the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot. Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites.To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills. To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.  At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting.Better Buildings for Michigan ProgramWith winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).  The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible. Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.  High-rise lighting reminderAnn Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.  In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to rememberDog SwimAfter Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it's your four-footed friend's turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.  Prevent West Nile VirusWest Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn. Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Empty water from mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddy pools or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV.Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.When you're running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV.All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour!Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour's air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny T

This episode of Inside Muskegon features an interview with Shannon McMaster with the Muskegon Heights Downtown Development Authority, a commentary on the interview and information on contacting Inside Muskegon. Hosted by Jason Piasecki. For more information visit www.insidemuskegon.com.