A Welcoming Community Development
From community organizations to local government leaders to chambers of commerce and the private sector, all have an investment in the success and sustainability of their communities as a destination and welcoming place for existing and future residents.
The “tricks” for 2026
Apologies for the metaphors from public equities investing, but the New Year 2026 is a good time to take stock and invest in ourselves. Those are the “tricks” for 2026: to emerge from the shock that some organizations, many organizations, have been feeling given the uncertainty and unpredictability of 2025.
Published Article- “Feed and Grain: Local Capacity Enables Arts-led Development”
Over nearly a generation, local citizens built their community leadership capacity to create artist housing and studio space, revitalize their downtown, and ultimately diversify Loveland, Colorado’s economy through the arts. In community after community, civic and business leaders realize communities that wait lose out competitively, and those that invest intentionally in local leadership capacity position themselves to thrive.
Published Post: How Community Development Supports Economic Development
Community development — such as quality childcare, housing, healthcare, education, parks and amenities, transportation, and more — can support economic development efforts in real and concrete ways.
What Does North Carolina Philanthropy Think about Housing?
At the end of September, North Carolina philanthropies gathered to discuss housing at a convening, A Foundation for Housing. Readers might be interested in key takeaways as philanthropies are important actors in the state’s public sphere, and housing is an important part of our lives and economy.
Disasters, Individual: What To Do?
In early September, outside on a beautiful day, I was struck by a pickup truck, which then left the scene. An eyewitness stopped and called 911. Paramedics placed me in a neck brace and a stretcher for transport to the nearest ER.
Giving You the Tools to Succeed
Leaders are most successful when they have all the tools to do the job. And that is what a consultant can offer: the tools, frameworks, and support - helping that leader and community of people to reach their brilliance.
Working for my Clients: The Year in Review
The leaders I work with as clients push hard each day to overcome tough organizational challenges, level up their strategy, and invest in their communities. The chance to help them is a privilege. My clients and I have been on this road together now a year. They are champions, and I am an earnest helper, hopefully to be able to join them for years to come.
Economics and Interest Rates, Mid 2025
Last summer, I wrote about interest rates and how communities and leaders were not waiting to invest until rates go down. And that action-oriented way of being was good thinking by these leaders, because those rates have stayed stubbornly higher for longer than many would like.
Reflections: Speaking on Strategy and Community, Winter 2024-25
I’m reflecting on the speaking opportunities this winter—and how one can receive more than one gives when offering to do pro bono engagements.