Summit explores ways to create vibrant downtowns

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership and International Downtown Association are hosting the 2019 Economic Development Summit at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The summit will attract professionals from across the country to network and learn from each other how downtowns serve as economic development generators and how social equity and diversity play an important role.

The keynote speaker, Christopher Leinberger, is a land use strategist. He is the founding partner of Arcadia Land Co., a real estate development firm focusing on responsible land development, walkable neighborhoods and smart communities in cities, suburbs and rural settings. Leinberger was voted one of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists in 2017.

Other speakers include experts such as Ron Frantz, a licensed architect and University of Oklahoma professor who has spent the last 38 years promoting historic architecture and preserving landmarks in over 100 Oklahoma towns and neighborhoods; and Andrea Batista Schlesinger, who leads the Inclusive Cities practice at HR&A Advisors, a real estate and economic development consulting firm focused on supporting equitable economic development and removing barriers to opportunity for all communities and cities.

Breakout sessions include experts and panelists from downtown partnerships all over the country who will share best practices on enhancing downtowns’ economic impacts on cities and states, discuss retail and development strategies, and show trends impacting downtown progress.

Read the full article at The Journal Record