City of Crestview issued the following announcement.
If a town wants to attract investment to develop its historic downtown, it’s wise to turn to an expert in downtown development. Crestview does, and did.
On Oct. 27, Quint Studer, regionally renowned as the driving force behind the revival of Pensacola’s Palafox Street and historic district, spent the day in Crestview conducting training for city department heads and elected officials.
The day began with a live-streamed introduction to downtown revitalization, and community engagement and buy-in for business and civic leaders, representatives of city boards and committees, the City Council and county commissioners.
Mayor JB Whitten’s motto for 2020, “a community coming together,” is more relevant than ever, City Manager Tim Bolduc said during his introductory comments.
“If we are going to move that vision forward, we have to do it as a community together,” Mr. Bolduc said during the morning presentation. Mr. Studer agreed, noting “even The Beatles sang ‘come together.’”
During his presentation, the developer and philanthropist described Crestview’s many positive attributes that can be leveraged to draw investment in its historic district.
“Crestview to me has always been a sleeping giant,” Mr. Studer said. “It’s a much better location than Pensacola,” he added, explaining that “location, location, location” is a major factor to successful development, and Crestview is strategically placed for investment and growth.
“Capital follows talent,” he said. “Talent follows place.”
Crestview’s downtown is a prime location to draw investment, Mr. Studer said.
“People like downtown, particularly young people,” he said, including young local investors and business developers.
“Downtown is important because young people want to go downtown,” Mr. Studer said. “If research from Gallup said young people liked hotels out by the interstate, I would’ve tried to do hotels out by the interstate.
“But you want to keep your talent home for three reasons: Affordability, opportunity and vibrancy.”
To encourage successful investment in its downtown, Mr. Studer advised that the city has to make investment of its own — “skin in the game” — to attract investment.
“Put public money in a place that’s going to draw private money” from investors, he said, stressing that Crestview’s own business leaders are prime candidates to help develop their city. But to help downtown Crestview reach its potential, the city needs to facilitate its revival.
“The economic engines are private investors, not government,” Mr. Studer said. “But government is the facilitator.”
Original source can be found here.
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