Summary
What does it take to get something done in a community? What does it take to get something built? What does it take to change a city?
Sean Webster is an social entrepreneur, organizer, and citizen developer. His story centers around how one can make change in a community despite immense headwinds. Sean discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and community developer in Boston, focusing on the importance of creating sustainable environments for growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of urban development, the need for trust and communication between developers and the community, and the role of creativity in shaping the future of neighborhoods. The discussion highlights the balance between community needs and development goals, emphasizing collaboration and collective action to foster positive change.
NOTE: The residential development project that is discussed in the episode awaiting city approval, received that approval shortly after the recording of this episode.
Keywords
entrepreneurship, community development, real estate, urban planning, trust, collaboration, housing, Boston, social impact, creativity, downtown, cities, urban design
Chapters
00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Boston
02:57 Revitalizing Downtown Boston
06:15 Navigating Real Estate Inequities
09:06 Collective Economics and Community Empowerment
11:55 Building a New Model for Community Development
15:13 The Challenges of Community Trust
17:56 The Role of Design in Community Spaces
21:04 Friction in Community Development
23:55 The Impact of Preservation on Development
27:15 The Future of One Elmwood Project
39:41 Community Development Challenges
42:48 Navigating Bureaucracy and Community Expectations
46:07 The Importance of Resilience in Development
49:30 Inter-Agency Communication Issues
53:04 Financial Risks and Community Impact
56:56 The Long Road to Realizing Dreams
01:01:08 The Role of Democracy in Development
01:05:10 Engaging the Younger Generation
01:09:07 Creativity as a Driving Force
01:12:07 The Future of Community Development
Links
Sean Webster
This family wants to redevelop their Roxbury home into much-needed housing. It isn’t working - Boston Globe
