City of Apopka’s Post

Yesterday was our all Talent in-person retreat at the wonderful National Louis University space, with time and space for welcoming, recognition, reflections, play, food and conversations. We are a big team and spread across multiple locations, so opportunities like this are highly anticipated. -Huge shoutout to Christine Judson, SPHR for leading the large group through fun and interactive sessions (using Legos and marshmallows), and reflections on the experience. Also, its fun to stay 'step away from the marshmallow'. - I've realized I have a hard time asking for logistical help for these events (even though nothing is done by any one person alone), and I want to shoutout (this obviously incomplete list) of people who helped with making yesterday the day it was, whether it was through thought partnership, actual heavy lifting, setting things up, taking things down, facilitating sessions, corralling folks, letting me have a moment when I needed to and more. Laura Garza-Maysonet Jerry Taylor, Felicia Butts, ShaVonne West-Stewart, MHRM, PHR Shenise Keelen Michael Herring Art Kim, Toni Patton, Lisa Wrightsell-Williams. - The people in this photo really do move mountains - the breadth and depth of work, strategic and operational, that falls within the Talent umbrella, is far beyond what I had ever anticipated and it continues to expand. Organizing events/activities is the sort of work that can easily veer into the territory of feeling like 'invisible work' and I can confidently say that that has not been my experience at all. My boss (Ben Felton) is appreciative and supportive, my colleagues and the larger team offer to help and follow through on their commitments, and offer gratitude and I don't take that for granted. I hope to remember this the next time I attend an event/activity, and I hope that you also acknowledge colleagues in your work spheres who are doing the work of bringing people together and building culture in resource-limited environments. What a great way to wrap up (well almost..) 2023!

Our parks and plazas are a vital thread in the fabric of our city. Today, I joined Union Square Partnership Co-Chairs Lynne Brown and Bill Abramson in Crain's New York Business to reflect on the events of August 4 in #UnionSquareNY and lay out our #USQNext vision plan for the future of the district's public realm. The vision plan is an opportunity to invest in the modernization of Union Square to ensure this important commercial center meets the needs of today’s New York—and for generations to come. Union Square is uniquely positioned for catalytic investment in its public realm—investment that would jumpstart not only a virtuous cycle of economic growth in the district itself, but also be a model live-work-play neighborhood that advances the city and state’s business district recovery goals for New York City as a whole. Now is the time to transform Union Square into the high-quality urban environment New Yorkers deserve—with contemporary, safe transit; improved accessibility; sustainable greenery and expanded open space—creating the dynamic mixed-use business district that New Yorkers need. Read our entire op-ed linked below. #publicspace #placemaking #economicdevelopment

Philadelphia, the city of possibility, has been the starting point of all the changes that many of us have experienced growing up. As long as you can see City Hall, you know where to go. However, what do you see when you look at City Hall? As a community, how can we process the changes and improvements that we want to see in our city when our hands are tied by constantly changing laws? Today, a leader discussed the importance of people working together as a team to bring about change. It's time to come together, share ideas, and work towards a common goal. Whether City Hall is your focal point or not, we all have a role to play in making Philadelphia a better place for everyone. Let's continue to dream, imagine, and create a better future for our city. Together, we can make it happen. #Philadelphia #Community #Teamwork #Change #BetterFuture

Leadership and Collaboration in St. Louis: Paving the Path for Growth In the heart of the St. Louis region, where the pulse of growth and innovation beats vibrantly, the role of collaborative leadership emerges as paramount. Here, we understand that the journey to regional advancement is a two-way street, filled with shared insights, mutual respect, and continual learning. Our belief in the immense potential of St. Louis propels us to foster a culture of open questions and healthy debate. It’s in these moments of collective dialogue that we unearth the innovative solutions and ideas, fueling our growth and bolstering our regional impact. Yet, amidst our burgeoning progress and development, the commitment to service and community welfare stands unwavering. It’s our shared beacon, guiding our collaborative efforts, ensuring that as we grow, the betterment of every community member remains at the forefront. Together, let’s continue to harness the boundless potential of St. Louis, embracing the power of unity, leadership, and dedicated service, and solidifying our region as a beacon of growth and prosperity. In unity and growth, Terry Wilson #StLouisGrowth #Leadership #Collaboration #ServiceFirst

Over lunch today, the The Economic Club of Chicago and the Commercial Club of Chicago brought together a panel of outstanding business and civic leaders to discuss the safety situation in our City and potential solutions. The panel was moderated by Roseanna Ander from the University of Chicago Crime Lab, Mark Hoplamazian from Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Eric S. Smith from BMO who are leading the Public Safety Task force from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood, and Arne Duncan. The discussion focussed on the disparity of homicides and shootings per capita versus New York and Los Angeles, the root causes for our safety challenges, as well as the short and long-term approaches to reduce the violent incidents in Chicago. There was broad agreement that we need a modern, engaged, and community oriented police force, more investment in community violence invention programs and staff, stronger employment opportunities in and for our disinvested communities and more place based corporate investments on our South & West side neighborhoods. There is not one solution alone but the combination of many different work streams and approaches. Solving for safety for all resident across all 77 neighborhoods is the responsibility of all of us, both on an individual level and as employees and leaders of any corporation or organizations to ensure that they stay civically engaged and active.

Building community isn’t just about creating networks, it’s about weaving a tapestry of relationships with a purpose. As a civic asset, we want to inform and engage everyone at our community connections meeting. But we’re not stopping there. We’re also in the business of friendships and spotlighting neighborhoods! Because every new connection is a thread that strengthens our social fabric #friending #civicasset #socialinfrastructure

This year's #LearningDisabilityWeek theme is 'Do You See Me?' which is all about being seen, heard and valued. We've spoken to Keith, who is supported by one of our community hubs and is an active member of the Salford Listening to People forum. In our latest blog, he tells us what it means to him to be seen, heard and valued and how it's made his life better through the years : https://lnkd.in/edEMnUGj

Hopefully the plan is figuring out how to solve our existing problems in town, as well as around our schools like damaged streets, speeding in our school zones, & making it safer for all students who walk to school before we continue to keep building apartments/houses. Every morning when I drop my kiddos off at school, I can’t help but to be annoyed at the fact that so many people are such in a rush, they don’t take in regard for any student that may be walking to school. Our “small” city is growing. No doubt about that. But when the speed limit in the school zone is 25 and you have people going 35 constantly, it’s entirely aggravating. There’s never any police presence overseeing. Not to mention, the “back roads” which my main way to and from home, is constantly getting congested now due to adding more apartments/ houses and now a LAGOON. Peoples land/ranches have been bought out and our city can’t even fix the problems we have now. Or what about the fact that the streets are all uneven beyond what you expect. If you’re not going 10, you might misalign your vehicles. No speed limit signs posted so people go whatever speed they want to, and don’t even get me started on 380! It is the worst hwy going through town ever!! It’s dangerous to say the least. Two lanes each way, and constant accidents every day. Something’s gotta give. I hope she has solutions to move in the right direction.

All I can say is “Wow!” 8 of us from FCS - Focused Community Strategies traveled to Spartanburg to visit fellow Purpose Built Communities network member Northside Development Group a while ago, and they blew us away. If you haven’t checked them out yet, they are doing amazing place-based work, tackling education, infrastructure, and economic vitality. But what impressed me the most: they don’t do a single thing without consulting a core group of community leaders and neighbors. It was obvious walking around their neighborhood just how much time, energy, and humility they’ve poured into those relationships. Building their credibility. Taking feedback. Slowing down. Listening to the priorities neighbors bring forth. I think most of us at FCS were left speechless. Now that we’ve had some time to process, let me say this: #1 I walked away energized - our FCS delegation was furiously taking notes and we’re ready to implement what we learned. #2 It’s clear Northside Development Group doesn’t toot their own horn enough. So here’s a well-deserved shout-out to CEO Michael Williamson and everyone on their team who hosted us: You all are absolutely nailing it, and I’m proud to be doing this work alongside organizations like Northside Development Group. Thanks for raising the bar on what effective Neighborhood Engagement looks like. #neighborhoodengagement #neighbors #placemaking #communitydevelopment

BUSHWICK IS THE PLACE TO BE! 🌟🧑🎤👩🎤 Even the numbers back it up—Bushwick is emerging as one of the most popular neighborhoods in New York City. Here’s why: ▶️VIBRANT CULTURE: Bushwick’s dynamism is fueled by the influx of young professionals who bring innovation and energy to the area. ▶️THRIVING ARTS AND NIGHTLIFE SCENE: 🎨🎶 Renowned for its artsy vibe, Bushwick is home to countless galleries, studios, and unique venues. Whether it’s enjoying a slice at Roberta’s, dancing the night away at House of Yes, or exploring the eclectic performances at Elsewhere and the Bushwick Collective Art Center, there’s something for everyone. - - - - - - - HOW THIS TRANSLATES INTO NUMBERS: ▶️Property Values: Median home values have jumped over 10% in the past year (Zillow). ▶️Young Professional Growth: Residents aged 25-34 have increased by 15% in the last decade (Census). ▶️Income Levels: Median household income is up 20% in five years. ▶️Dining and Nightlife: A 25% rise in new bars and restaurants in three years. ▶️Affordability: Housing is about 30% cheaper per square foot compared to Williamsburg. Bushwick’s dynamic mix of culture, growth, and affordability makes it the place to be in NYC. #Bushwick #NYCRealEstate #EmergingNeighborhood #Brooklyn #YoungProfessionals #ArtScene #Nightlife #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateTrends #AffordableHousing #UrbanDevelopment #VibrantCulture