The Bottom-Up Revolution Is…City Building With Small-Scale Manufacturers
Jul 11, 2024
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Ilana Preuss, founder of Recast City, discusses the impact of small-scale manufacturing in revitalizing downtown areas. They explore the importance of community engagement, urban revitalization, and envisioning the future of cities. The conversation highlights the role of supporting local makers and businesses to build a sustainable economy.
Small-scale manufacturing is key for downtown revitalization by offering storefront presence and online sales.
Community-led economic development and inclusive engagement are essential for creating thriving, inclusive spaces.
Deep dives
The Origin of Recast City and Small-Scale Manufacturing
Alana Proust, founder of Recast City, shares the story behind the name of her business and how she landed on small-scale manufacturing as a game-changer for resilient neighborhoods. Through extensive research and hosting events in DC, she discovered the impact of product businesses on creating vibrant places that support local wealth-building.
Alana Proust's Professional Journey and Passion for Community Development
Alana's passion for city planning started early, leading to a career focused on environmental planning and growth management. From her work at EPA Smart Growth Program to Smart Growth America, she emphasizes the economic power of great places and the importance of community leadership in creating thriving neighborhoods.
The Magic of Small-Scale Manufacturing and Downtown Revitalization
Alana describes small-scale manufacturing as the 'magic sauce' for downtown revitalization, offering a unique blend of storefront presence and online sales to bring revenue into communities. With its accessibility, ability to draw foot traffic, and contribution to local economies, small-scale manufacturing stands out as a powerful tool for creating vibrant downtown spaces.
Community Engagement and Advocating for Resilient Downtowns
In navigating challenges like displacement and promoting resilient downtowns, Alana emphasizes community-led economic development and inclusive engagement. By focusing on understanding the needs of small-scale manufacturers, reverse engineering development plans, and prioritizing local investments, communities can create thriving, inclusive spaces that benefit residents and businesses alike.
Ilana Preuss is the founder and CEO of Recast City, a program that helps cities build strong downtowns by empowering small-scale manufacturers. She is also the author of “Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing.” Previously, she was the vice president and chief of staff at Smart Growth America and led the technical assistance program at the EPA Smart Growth Program. She is a TEDx speaker on, “The Economic Power of Great Places,” and a featured keynote speaker.
In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, Preuss joins host Tiffany Owens Reed to discuss the importance of small-scale manufacturing and her experiences as a city builder.