Recast Your City

“This book is a voice for economic development in places ready to build something new. It helps cities identify small businesses looking to scale, gives cities a new way to connect them to needed resources, and invites investors to be a part of something bigger.”—Sandy Dunbeck, Interim Director of High Point Economic Development and Director of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance
“Ilana’s book is a treasure for everyone who loves their city. It provides an actionable roadmap to revitalize downtowns in the modern economy. Ilana shows that by lifting up people who make things, and engaging the community to help, every city can generate impressive results. Recast Your City provides stories about how this approach has been successful in communities large and small.”—Victor W. Hwang, Founder & CEO, Right to Start
“Recast Your City reminds us that every community is full of magic, but we practitioners often fall short on imagination and inclusion. Preuss guides us to let go of antiquated economic development norms to celebrate these special places. If you follow her lead to honor the charm of your community, the possibilities to boost local pride and economies are endless.”—Yonina M. Gray, Director of External Relations, Reinvestment Fund
“Ilana Preuss dramatically illustrates how a critical-but-traditional part of cities can be revitalized and act as a catalyst to transform a community. This book outlines practical suggestions on how to re-imagine a vision for communities willing to reach for the future rather than maintain the status quo. A must read for everyone who cares about their community.”—Tom Murphy, Senior Fellow, Urban Land Institute and former Mayor of Pittsburgh
“Preuss totally hits the nail on the head with her critique of misguided American economic development practices that favor chasing big businesses over cultivating small ones, that favor big real estate deals over smaller-scale investments in downtowns and neighborhoods, and that have left millions of people on the sidelines. She makes a powerful argument for the tremendous potential of small-scale manufacturers to transform economies through incremental, inclusive growth. Our communities would be much healthier and more equitable places if this book were required reading for all elected officials and economic development professionals.”—Kennedy Smith, Senior Researcher, Institute for Local Self-Reliance and former director, National Main Street Center

Ilana Preuss is the Founder & CEO of Recast City. Prior to that, she was the Vice President and Chief of Staff at Smart Growth America and led the technical assistance program at the EPA Smart Growth Program. She is a TEDx speaker on, “The Economic Power of Great Places,” and a featured keynote speaker.

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