Curtin Call: April 2025
May 05, 2025
As 2025 marches on, innovative strategies in place marketing and economic development are emerging to adapt to rapid changes in how communities around the globe are shaping the future of places—how we live, work, and invest.
From reimagining downtowns as hubs of innovation and culture, to tackling the urgent need for workforce housing in the era of remote work, to leaning into renewable energy as a driver of economic growth, the world of place marketing and economic development is anything but standing still.
This month, I’m highlighting a few stories that showcase the creative thinking, bold investments and strategic planning that are helping communities not just adapt to change but lead it.
On Revitalizing City Centers
A recent Boston Consulting Group article examines how traditional central business districts (CBDs) are being reimagined as vibrant knowledge campuses. Highlighting examples like Tokyo, the article demonstrates how integrating social hubs, commercial activity and cutting-edge design can breathe new life into urban cores. Successful transformations emphasize multimodal transportation, mixed-use development and distinctive architecture to attract top businesses and talent.
On Expanding Workforce Housing for a Remote Era
Multi-Housing News profiles the Western Supply project in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a $114 million initiative led by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Designed for remote workers, teachers, artists and entrepreneurs, the 320-unit development offers not only modern living spaces but also coworking areas and gathering hubs to foster community and civic engagement. It’s a model for how cities can nurture a thriving remote workforce while strengthening local connections.
On Crossing a Renewable Energy Milestone
This New York Times article spotlights Missouri’s ambitious investment in wind power, a project poised to dramatically lower the state’s carbon footprint. As part of a broader transition toward renewable energy, this initiative exemplifies how sustainable infrastructure can fuel economic growth, create jobs and advance climate goals, all while setting a powerful precedent for other states.
On Prioritizing Workplace Well-Being
A new piece from the World Economic Forum highlights why workplace well-being is no longer just a “nice-to-have,” it’s a strategic imperative. The article outlines actions companies can take to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment, from leadership buy-in to building cultures of psychological safety. As talent attraction and retention become even more competitive, cities and regions that champion employer investment in well-being will be better positioned to grow and thrive.
On the Best and Worst States for Business
The 2025 Chief Executive Best & Worst States for Business rankings are in—and the map looks different this year. Shaped by shifts in global trade, evolving regulations and sweeping demographic and tech trends, the latest rankings hint at a changing playbook for business success. Some unexpected states are rising fast, thanks to a blend of smart policy, talent pipelines and livability. Others, long considered safe bets, are losing ground amid tax pressures and growing pains. The results point to a broader migration, of both companies and workers, toward places that offer more than just economic opportunity.
