Real Estate Development

Real estate deals can be a lot like relationships. Being that it’s love month here at Proud Places, it is my privilege to give you advice as your matchmaker. Like any relationship, knowing where you stand and what you...

“Charity feeds a person who is hungry. Philanthropy is meant to go upstream and innovate.”  -Helen Davis Johnson  President, Michigan Municipal League Foundation This comment from Helen is resonating with me now more than ever. This year has turned...

We’re obsessed with attraction. Cities, regional governments, and states spend a lot of time and resources working to attract companies and developers to invest in the communities they represent. Economic developers fly off to trade shows and tell manufacturers...

As someone who has spent their entire career in one sector of economic development or another, from industrial recruitment to downtown redevelopment, I’ve had the good fortune to see communities do some really astonishing things. Many have been outstanding,...

Also called "How I decided to buy 10 houses during a preschool picnic."

Here is the secret! We can create value with love, attention, and serious dedication. To recruit a village, we have to attract people with energy and hope.