Building from the Inside Out: What It Takes for Place-Based Investment to Work
Tasha Byers
Diversified Community Impact
Track
The Value of Culture & Place
Format
The Collaborative Forum ((Up to 3 Facilitators/Speakers))
Speakers
- NameVernon Beckford
- TitlePresident & CEO
- OrganizationDiversified Companies
- NameBo Kemp
- TitleChief Executive Officer
- OrganizationThe Southland Development Authority
- NameCiere Boatright
- TitleCommissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development
- OrganizationCity of Chicago
Description
In Midwest communities, the gap between capital committed and communities transformed remains wide, shaped by ecosystem gaps, capacity constraints, and structural barriers.
This session moves beyond framing into execution. Drawing on experience from Chicago, the Southland Development Authority, and DCI’s work in Indianapolis, it explores what determines whether investment takes root or stalls.
The discussion focuses on three aligned layers: policy, ecosystem, and operator readiness. Participants will leave with a practical framework for aligning stakeholders and moving place-based capital from intention to impact.
