Published by CivicBrand
Conversations on community branding, public engagement and destination marketing. A CivicBrand podcast.
Listen on Apple PodcastsUniversities are often one of a community's greatest assets, yet many cities, destinations, and campuses still have opportunities to work together more intentionally. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Mike Hooker, founder of Hooker Strategy Partners and former Colorado State University chief spokesperson, to explore how stronger town-and-gown partnerships can create more vibrant communities, stronger destination brands, and better experiences for residents, students, and visitors alike. The conversation opens with Fort Collins, Colorado's connection to Disney's Main Street, U.S.A. and why the city's walkable downtown continues to be celebrated by urbanists. From there, Ryan and Mike discuss how DMOs, city leaders, chambers, and universities can move beyond co-marketing to become true civic partners through shared storytelling, collaborative programming, and long-term place strategy. Drawing on Mike's experience as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, higher education communications leader, Visit Fort Collins board member, and instructor at Colorado State University, the conversation offers practical ideas for communities looking to strengthen the relationship between campus and community. If your city is home to a college or university, this episode is full of ideas for building stronger partnerships and making the most of one of your community's most valuable assets. Mike Hooker on LinkedIn Hooker Strategy Partners
In this episode I sit down with Melissa and Chris Bruntlett from Delft, Netherlands, urban mobility advocates and co-authors of Women Changing Cities . We explore how infrastructure shapes our daily lives, identities, and opportunities, and why the most successful cities often reflect a broader understanding of who public spaces are designed to serve. Our conversation examines the connections between leadership, transportation, public life, and the challenges facing cities today. Melissa and Chris share stories from their work and research, highlighting how thoughtful investments in mobility and public space can create healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities. If you care about the future of cities, the role of infrastructure in shaping human behavior, or how leadership can help build places that work better for everyone, this episode is for you. You can find Melissa & Chris and more about their work here: Modacity Life (website) Modacity Life (Instagram) Modacity Creative Dutch Cycling Embassy (Instagram) Chris Bruntlett (Llinkedin) Melissa Bruntlett (Linkedin)
In this episode I sit down with Richard Lindberg from Stockholm Sweden, founder of One Planet Journey . We explore the idea of " deep travel " and what it means for travelers and destinations, and why the role of locals is essential to meaningful experiences. Our conversation goes beyond sustainability and into intentionality. What do we actually want out of travel? Are we chasing a checklist, a photo, or someone else’s bucket list? Or are we seeking connection, understanding, and a deeper relationship with the places we visit? Richard shares how Deep Travel invites us to slow down, engage with local communities, and rethink our impact in a time of environmental and cultural change. If you care about traveling with more purpose and less pressure, or about managing and shaping destinations that foster deeper, more meaningful experiences, this episode is for you.
In this episode we're joined by Jamie Sabbach, founder of 110%, to discuss the critical intersection of parks, recreation, and financial sustainability. We dive into the challenges cities face in balancing community wants with fiscal responsibility and the importance of smart, long-term financial planning. Jamie highlights the need for better public education around tax allocation and the true costs of maintaining public spaces, advocating for more responsible local government spending. The conversation explores how parks shape community identity and how elected officials must navigate difficult financial decisions to ensure sustainable public services for future generations.
In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of talent attraction with Monica Hershberger and Kate Wilson from Role Call. As the world of work shifts, we explore how remote work has changed the game for communities and businesses striving to attract and retain top talent. Monica and Kate share their insights on the strategies that successful communities and companies are using, the role of quality of life and placemaking in talent retention, and how talent attraction efforts reflect a community’s identity. Plus, we look into the crystal ball to discuss what the future holds for talent attraction strategy and economic development.
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Andreasen of aQity Research to demystify the world of engagement data. We discuss statistically valid surveys (and some of the confusion around them), unpack the nuanced relationship between sample size and representative samples, and delve into the critical role of weighting survey responses to ensure data reflects the true diversity of a community. Whether you’re a city planner, leader, or simply curious about making data-driven decisions, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on how to truly understand and engage communities.
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Still to hear his story of Lost Lake, a once a hidden gem cherished for its tranquility, now become a popular spot due to social media exposure. Brandon shares his thoughts on how the influencer that promoted Lost Lake described it as "the perfect escape" which highlights a deeper issue: Why are we building cities and places that people feel the need to escape from? Drawing from his experience in running and consulting on co-working spaces in small towns, Brandon discusses the importance of community and how it’s the connection between people, not just the place itself, that truly matters.
In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Izurieta, author of the new book "Main Street Mavericks," to delve into the world of experience design and its pivotal role in the success of Main Street businesses. In a landscape increasingly dominated by online giants, creating memorable experiences for customers has become more crucial than ever. Jaime shares his expertise on how businesses and community leaders can harness the power of experience design to thrive in today's competitive market. Discover practical strategies, inspiring anecdotes, and actionable insights as we explore the art of crafting unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming back, drive community engagement, and propel Main Street businesses to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding small business owner, or a main street manager this episode offers invaluable wisdom for navigating the ever-evolving terrain of modern commerce. Tune in and learn how to transform your business into a destination that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
In this episode, Brisa Byford from CivicBrand sits down with High Point, NC City Councilman Michael Holmes to delve into the complexities of public engagement and leadership. They explore the challenges of balancing the needs of the community with the voices that shout the loudest, and discuss the delicate art of acting in the best interest of the public while navigating the intricacies of place branding. Tune in as Councilman Holmes offers a unique perspective on the role of elected officials in fostering meaningful engagement and shaping the identity of their city.
In this episode, we're joined by Nate Storring of Project for Public Spaces as we dive into the transformative power of public spaces and the role of placemaking. From Community Placemaking Grants, Training, Market Cities Program and the upcoming Placemaking Week we dive into the world of Project for Public Spaces.
In this episode, we're joined by Adam Williams, a seasoned podcaster and journalist who is at the helm of the "We Are Chaffee" podcast. Together, we delve deep into the pivotal role of storytelling in community development, uncovering the barriers, tips, and best practices for launching storytelling initiatives that truly make an impact. Adam shares his experiences and insights into how storytelling can be a catalyst for change within communities, breaking down the barriers that often hinder progress. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, community leader, or simply passionate about the power of narrative, this episode is a must-listen.
In this unique episode of Eyes on the Street, CivicBrand co-founder Ryan Short interviews ChatGPT as read by none other than the iconic voice of Snoop Dogg. Through Snoop's West Coast charm, we get to hear how ChatGPT answers questions about public engagement, place branding, and placemaking. Depending on your experience with AI the answers are either surprisingly (or not surprisingly) really good!
In this episode, we delve into the relationship between cities and brands. Join us as we explore how place, culture, and the identity of a city influence the creation and growth of brands, and conversely, how brands can impact and shape the very essence of a city. We are thrilled to have Hunter Harlow, co-founder of Sendero Provisions , as our special guest. Tune in to discover what cities need to do to foster an environment where brands can thrive, and how these thriving brands, in turn, become cultural ambassadors for their locales. Whether you're a city planner, entrepreneur, fan of Sendero, or simply curious about the interplay between commerce and culture, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we are joined by Rik Adamski of Ash + Lime , as we delve into the concept of "3rd places" and their vital role in fostering community and connection. Expanding beyond the realms of home (1st place) and work (2nd place), 3rd places encapsulate environments like cafes, parks, and community centers where individuals gather to socialize, relax, and engage in meaningful interactions. We explore how 3rd places contribute to a sense of belonging, encourage serendipitous encounters, safety, and nurture a diverse range of relationships, and even their role in experiencing our community and environment.
In this episode, host Ryan Short from CivicBrand sits down with Evan Snow, the co-founder of Zero Empty Spaces, to delve into the transformative work they are doing in partnership with cities and property owners. Zero Empty Spaces is revolutionizing communities by repurposing vacant spaces into affordable artist studios, resulting in a win-win-win situation. Evan explains how their initiative activates these areas, stimulates economic development, and ultimately creates more vibrant and thriving communities. They discuss the process of collaborating with property owners, selecting artists, and the positive impact that these artist spaces have on the local neighborhoods. Tune in to discover how Zero Empty Spaces is harnessing the power of art to revitalize communities and foster a sense of creativity and vitality. https://www.zeroemptyspaces.com/
In the podcast episode, Ryan Short from CivicBrand and Lev Kusher from the Department of Here discuss a recent CityLab article written by Lev. The article explores the increasingly blurred lines between remote workers and tourists, and how this trend is changing the way cities approach economic development, tourism, and destination marketing and branding. Ryan and Lev delve into the implications of this trend for cities, discussing how cities can adapt to this new reality and take advantage of the opportunities it presents. They also explore the potential challenges that cities may face as they navigate this new landscape, including issues related to housing, infrastructure, and workforce development. Throughout the episode, Ryan and Lev share their insights and experiences, drawing on their knowledge of economic development, tourism, and branding. They offer practical advice for cities looking to embrace this new reality and position themselves for success in the years ahead. Overall, the episode provides a glimpse into the changing landscape of economic development and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of cities.
In this episode, we'll be discussing a new approach to events for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) with Jason Gleason, Executive Director of Montclair Center BID. In many downtown areas, BIDs rely heavily on events to drive foot traffic and economic growth, but is this approach sustainable? Jason shares his insights on the role of BIDs in creating vibrant downtown areas, and how Montclair Center BID in Montclair, NJ is taking a different approach to events that's having a positive impact on their community. Join us as we explore the benefits and challenges of event-based strategies for BIDs, and learn about a new way forward for downtown revitalization.
In today's episode, Ryan interviews Jake Rishavy of Chaffee County Economic Development to discuss an inside-out approach to economic development. This strategy emphasizes internal development through initiatives such as start-up cohorts, mentoring, investment, and on-brand events, and is already yielding significant results and impact. Chaffee County EDC: https://chaffeecountyedc.com/ Central Mountain Entreprenuers https://drivenbynature.co/
The title of this episode may shock a few folks. Are we really suggesting to stop doing public engagement? Are we really advocating for a cookie-cutter plan? Maybe, and in many communities, yes. Equitable public engagement is at the foundation of everything we do at CivicBrand, but who hasn't been in a project interview where the client says, "We don't want a cookie-cutter plan"? So, how could we possibly be suggesting this? The reality is that public engagement can be insulting and a waste of time and money when we're asking people things we already know. Those things are often the basics of any community, and you could even say they are "cookie-cutter." Many of those things are likely in your old plan. So when is the right time for public engagement? And when do you need more than a cookie-cutter plan? In this episode, Ryan Short of CivicBrand and Jeff Siegler of Revitalize or Die discuss just that.
In this episode, Ryan Short of CivicBrand is joined by Clayton Garrett and Scott Snodgrass, founders of Meristem Communities, to discuss what it really means to really build for humans. From creating more environmentally and fiscally sustainable communities to places with diverse options so that individuals, couples, families, and seniors can all co-exist and age in place within a community. They discuss sweating the small details and how that is what placemaking really is.