Activating Retail as a Platform for Inclusive Local Economies

Retail environments sit at the center of daily community life yet are often not leveraged to their full potential in supporting inclusive local economic growth or cultural expression. This session covers how ownership and operating models can expand access for local entrepreneurs, better reflect community identity, and support broader economic participation, highlighting how leasing strategy, reinvestment, and partnerships can be used more intentionally to strengthen both performance and community outcomes.
Through a “From Challenged to Vibrant” revitalization sprint, participants will work through a real-world site brief to evaluate leasing, partnerships, and programming strategies that balance financial performance with community impact.