To be magnetic, you need a clear plan for how it will operate and get things done. That’s your playbook.

To be a place that draws and retains people requires much more than amenities (surrounding environment).

At least one time each month, my high school math teacher, Mr. Carlson, would show us his financial investment reports.

Economic vitality defines places. It creates the conditions for people, land, and the marketplace to thrive.

Many underperforming places with property (undeveloped, vacant, already built) could become magnetic destinations for learning, commerce, housing, and healthy living. But the outcomes that individuals, private businesses, or public institutions own in these places might have different and specific results or return on investment in mind that you and me.

The Heartland region is changing the rust-belt and declining cities narratives ascribed to us.

I have to admit. I bought into the amenity (“playground”) theory 20 years ago that is driving most economic development decisions. I remember being taught and ultimately believing that this version of place development retains and attracts people and eventually grows your community. But, unfortunately, the sad reality is the policies and practices rooted in this theory don't work for everyone nor everywhere.

From declining birth rates and shifting migration patterns to more frequent economic downtowns and recessions, there’s no magical off-the-shelf plan that changes the growth curve of a place. However, there is something universal to fast-growing communities and the best places to live: compounding commitment.

The first step of transformative place development is the choice to move forward when surrounded by stagnation, decline, or distress.

Community transformation is not for the faint of heart. Yet, it does not mean you can experience pleasure along the way. In my own experience, I have found a few stumbling blocks that can lead you to pause and revert to what was versus what could be.

When we let the marketplace work for all, housing choice and product expands. But, it requires a set of policies and manuals that seek to create vibrant, connected, and entrepreneurial neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and employment hubs.

What we build and how we make it matters to developing places where everyone can thrive together.

While I don't think place development rests on a single person or sector alone, I wonder what many places would like if more business leaders jumped in and prioritized the well-being of the markets they inhabit and serve concurrent with building their business?

Stop for a minute. Think about the place you live. What do you love about it? What do you wish were true about your neighborhood or community? Who comes to mind when you think about making your neighborhood, city, or city region better?

Creating vibrant, economically inclusive, and sustainable places is possible. It only happens when you and I show up as place developers - to be builders rather than consumers of place. It changes the equation.

Most people want to live in a place where there is an opportunity, and they feel valued and can contribute their skills in meaningful and profitable ways. Yet, most communities are stuck believing they do not have the right assets or location to thrive.

Inclusive, vibrant, and connected places are neither black nor white. Clarifying your place development strategy will help prevent you from becoming frozen in place.

The pace of change today is challenging both high growth and distressed neighborhoods and cities. Both have to decide whether to adapt to this pace of change or remain the same.

The neighborhood or city you live, work, learn or play in is laced with policies, codes, manual pushers, perceptions, and beliefs.

Preservation is one of several practices usually offered as a way to stem the decline and drive value. While preservation is a critical practice to ensure assets are not removed, it cannot be the only practice for place development. Protection is generally used as a means to “arrest the decline.”