Port seminar to explore public-private partnerships, development

Those interested in revitalizing communities through public-private partnerships are invited to attend a free seminar on May 21 from 7:30 AM to 3 PM at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

"Promoting Economic Development through Successful Public-Private Partnerships", which is being convened by the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, will bring together a group of national and local experts to explore the use of these partnerships in brownfield redevelopment, development financing, and economic inclusion.

Russell says that the seminar will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear about strategies and lessons learned in using partnerships to successfully develop complex urban sites.

"The format of the day will provide a lot of opportunities for the audience to ask questions so they can go home with tools and ideas that they can apply to their projects," she says.

Key speakers include Randy Pereira, president of Structured Capital, LLC in Phoenix, who has provided innovative real estate financial advisory services to public and private clients around the world; and Melvin Gravely II, Ph.D., managing director of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking in Cincinnati and a leading authority on developing capacity and opportunity for minority entrepreneurs.

Russell says that since no one has cornered the market on innovative and collaborative development approaches, hearing about projects occurring in other parts of the country is always enlightening.

"I believe that we can learn a lot from the experts that will be speaking at our event and I'm confident that they, in turn, will also learn from Cincinnati's experiences," she says.

Registration is required, and seating is limited.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Sources: Christine Russell, director of brownfield development, Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority
Photography by Scott Beseler