WATCH VIDEO

The Innovative Cities Lecture Series

Vacant to Productive: Strategies for Transforming Downtowns and Properties through Programs and Funding presentation by Errin Welty, Senior Director of Downtown Development at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Lecture Summary:

Throughout her career in downtown development, Errin Welty has worked in multiple states and with communities of all sizes and geographies. Regardless of circumstances, downtown revitalization initiatives face several common hurdles; vacant and poorly maintained properties, underutilized public spaces, real/perceived parking or safety concerns and lack of coordination and communication are the most common. These all represent complex and multifaceted challenges which can only be successfully addressed through cooperative and collaborative efforts by public and private stakeholders. Errin will share case studies and resources available to communities looking to establish or enhance revitalization efforts in their own communities.

BIO:

Errin Welty is the Senior Director of Downtown Development at WEDC, working statewide to promote and develop economically vibrant downtown districts. She works closely with businesses, property owners and community groups in more than 120 communities across the state to design, develop and implement programs and policies to achieve locally desired objectives related to sustainable economic growth and development. Errin has an undergraduate degree in community development from St. Cloud State and Masters in Planning and Real Estate from the University of Colorado in Denver. Previous experience includes work in downtown organizations in St. Cloud, Wheat Ridge and Denver, as well as commercial real estate, market analysis and economic development consulting work.

AICP-CM credits will be awarded.

Questions, comments?

All lectures are free and open to planners, students, staff, faculty, and friends of the University. Please contact Jennifer Tasse , Department of Urban Planning Project Assistant at jstasse@uwm.edu