CivicBrand - Podcast Details

Shows

Active Towns The Civic Brand with Ryan ShortIn this on-bike interview, I connect with Ryan Short, founder of CivicBrand, for a tour around Boulder while we discuss his new book, The Civic Brand: The Power and Responsibility of Place.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel): 👉 CivicBrand website👉 Get your copy of the book👉 CivicBrand on Instagram👉 Ryan Short on LinkedIn👉 Strong Towns website👉 City Thread website👉 Ryan Van Duzer's Channel👉 Priority Bikes website👉 Green Guru website👉 My recent interview with Anna Zivarts about non-drivers and the week without driving chall...

2026-01-161h 00

The Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast CivicBrand-The Power of Place with Ryan ShortThis episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Ryan Short with Civic Brand · A candid conversation about the power of place in local government. · And, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: CivicBrand | City Branding Agency, Public Engagement, Placemaking...

2025-11-2444 min

Citizen One: Exploring Our Urban Future Citizen One S2:E5 – The Civic Brand: Reclaiming the Honest Soul of the CityWhat if cities stopped marketing themselves and started remembering who they are?That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode of Citizen One:Exploring Our Urban Future, an urbanNext original podcast series. This week, I have a conversation with Ryan Short, author of The Civic Brand and founder of CivicBrand — a firm reshaping how communities think about identity, engagement, and belonging.We talk a lot about “smart cities,” but not enough about honest cities — places that understand their stories, their people, and their contradictions. Ryan’s work cuts through the noise of slogans and...

2025-11-111h 15

What is The Future for Cities?366I_Ryan Short, author of ‘The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place’ and co-founder of CivicBrand"Place isn't optional, we have to have a place. So we have to constantly figure it out."Are you interested in place branding? What do you think about participating in the civic brand at your place? How can we involve the next generation to create urban futures? Interview with Ryan Short, author of ‘The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place’ and co-founder of CivicBrand. We will talk about his vision for the future of cities, place branding, choosing where to live, opportunities opening up, the next generation, and many more. Ryan Short is t...

Eyes On The Street Parks & Reconomics - with Jamie SabbachIn this episode we're joined by Jamie Sabbach, founder of 110%, to discuss the critical intersection of parks, recreation, and financial sustainability. We dive into the challenges cities face in balancing community wants with fiscal responsibility and the importance of smart, long-term financial planning. Jamie highlights the need for better public education around tax allocation and the true costs of maintaining public spaces, advocating for more responsible local government spending. The conversation explores how parks shape community identity and how elected officials must navigate difficult financial decisions to ensure sustainable public services for future generations.

2025-01-3144 min

Eyes On The Street Talent Attraction - with Monica Hershberger and Kate WilsonIn this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of talent attraction with Monica Hershberger and Kate Wilson from Role Call. As the world of work shifts, we explore how remote work has changed the game for communities and businesses striving to attract and retain top talent. Monica and Kate share their insights on the strategies that successful communities and companies are using, the role of quality of life and placemaking in talent retention, and how talent attraction efforts reflect a community’s identity. Plus, we look into the crystal ball to discuss what the future holds for talent at...

2024-12-1837 min

Eyes On The Street Engagement Data - with Jeff AndreasenIn this episode, we sit down with Jeff Andreasen of aQity Research to demystify the world of engagement data. We discuss statistically valid surveys (and some of the confusion around them), unpack the nuanced relationship between sample size and representative samples, and delve into the critical role of weighting survey responses to ensure data reflects the true diversity of a community. Whether you’re a city planner, leader, or simply curious about making data-driven decisions, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on how to truly understand and engage communities.

2024-12-0544 min

We Are Chaffee Podcast Crossover: Adam Williams on the ‘Eyes on the Street’ podcast, talking community storytelling with Ryan ShortThis crossover episode features Adam Williams, host of We Are Chaffee’s Looking Upstream, as a guest on Ryan Short’s (co-founder of CivicBrand) Eyes on the Street podcast. (Ryan was a guest on Looking Upstream recently.) In this episode from Eyes on the Street, Ryan and Adam talk about community storytelling and how it can be a catalyst for change. Adam shares insights about Looking Upstream and the larger We Are Chaffee storytelling initiative of which it’s a part. They also talk about some of Adam’s creative interests, how he got into podcasti...

2024-11-0557 min

We Are Chaffee Podcast Crossover: Adam Williams on the ‘Eyes on the Street’ podcast, talking community storytelling with Ryan ShortThis crossover episode features Adam Williams, host of We Are Chaffee's Looking Upstream, as a guest on Ryan Short's (co-founder of CivicBrand) Eyes on the Street podcast. (Ryan was a guest on Looking Upstream recently.) In this episode from Eyes on the Street, Ryan and Adam talk about community storytelling and how it can be a catalyst for change. Adam shares insights about Looking Upstream and the larger We Are Chaffee storytelling initiative that it’s part of. They also talk about some of Adam's creative interests, how he got into podcasting, what he loves about...

2024-11-0557 min

We Are Chaffee Podcast Ryan Short, co-founder of CivicBrand, on ‘locals first’ placemaking & civic pride, values of travel, teaching sons & being bold in decisive momentsRyan Short co-founded CivicBrand with his wife Banner during shaky economic times and a pivotal family moment in 2008. He talks with Adam Williams about making such bold and unconventional decisions. They also talk about CivicBrand’s pioneering work in city branding and placemaking, and the “locals first” approach that is about helping communities to become the best version of themselves. Among other things, like the values of travel, parenting teenage sons, fishing and getting people to fall in love with the outdoors.

2024-09-1056 min

We Are Chaffee Podcast Ryan Short, co-founder of CivicBrand, on ‘locals first’ placemaking & civic pride, values of travel, teaching sons & being bold in decisive momentsRyan Short co-founded CivicBrand with his wife Banner during shaky economic times and a pivotal family moment in 2008. He talks with Adam about making such bold and unconventional decisions. They also talk about CivicBrand's pioneering work in city branding and placemaking, and the "locals first" approach that is about helping communities to become the best version of themselves. Among other things, like the values of travel, parenting teenage sons, fishing and getting people to fall in love with the outdoors. __________ We Are Chaffee's Looking Upstream podcast is a collaboration with Chaffee County (Colo.) P...

2024-09-1056 min

Eyes On The Street Lost Lake and the search for community - with Brandon StillIn this episode, we sit down with Brandon Still to hear his story of Lost Lake, a once a hidden gem cherished for its tranquility, now become a popular spot due to social media exposure. Brandon shares his thoughts on how the influencer that promoted Lost Lake described it as "the perfect escape" which highlights a deeper issue: Why are we building cities and places that people feel the need to escape from? Drawing from his experience in running and consulting on co-working spaces in small towns, Brandon discusses the importance of community and how it’s the connection betw...

2024-08-2044 min

good traffic.42 / Branding American cities / with Ryan ShortRyan Short — cofounder of CivicBrand — joins good traffic to emphasize why cities and towns of all sizes should care more about branding. We talk the need for civic pride and intentional urban design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and using community perspective to refine strong, holistic, evergreen messaging. From Dallas, to suburban North Carolina, to mountain town Colorado, Ryan's perspective is forged from work in communities of all stripes. He's truly of wealth of successful precedents for proper placemaking. We discuss: 00:00 On CivicBrand, and branding cities. 04...

2024-06-1447 min

Eyes On The Street Main Street Mavericks - with Jaime IzurietaIn this episode, we sit down with Jaime Izurieta, author of the new book "Main Street Mavericks," to delve into the world of experience design and its pivotal role in the success of Main Street businesses. In a landscape increasingly dominated by online giants, creating memorable experiences for customers has become more crucial than ever. Jaime shares his expertise on how businesses and community leaders can harness the power of experience design to thrive in today's competitive market. Discover practical strategies, inspiring anecdotes, and actionable insights as we explore the art of crafting unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming...

2024-04-1948 min

Eyes On The Street An elected official's perspective - with Michael HolmesIn this episode, Brisa Byford from CivicBrand sits down with High Point, NC City Councilman Michael Holmes to delve into the complexities of public engagement and leadership. They explore the challenges of balancing the needs of the community with the voices that shout the loudest, and discuss the delicate art of acting in the best interest of the public while navigating the intricacies of place branding. Tune in as Councilman Holmes offers a unique perspective on the role of elected officials in fostering meaningful engagement and shaping the identity of their city.

2024-02-1545 min

Eyes On The Street Project for Public Spaces - with Nate StorringIn this episode, we're joined by Nate Storring of Project for Public Spaces as we dive into the transformative power of public spaces and the role of placemaking. From Community Placemaking Grants, Training, Market Cities Program and the upcoming Placemaking Week we dive into the world of Project for Public Spaces.

2024-02-1228 min

Eyes On The Street Community Storytelling - with Adam WilliamsIn this episode, we're joined by Adam Williams, a seasoned podcaster and journalist who is at the helm of the "We Are Chaffee" podcast. Together, we delve deep into the pivotal role of storytelling in community development, uncovering the barriers, tips, and best practices for launching storytelling initiatives that truly make an impact.Adam shares his experiences and insights into how storytelling can be a catalyst for change within communities, breaking down the barriers that often hinder progress. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, community leader, or simply passionate about the power of narrative, this episode i...

2023-12-2055 min

Eyes On The Street Place branding with Snoop Dogg (via ChatGPT)In this unique episode of Eyes on the Street, CivicBrand co-founder Ryan Short interviews ChatGPT as read by none other than the iconic voice of Snoop Dogg. Through Snoop's West Coast charm, we get to hear how ChatGPT answers questions about public engagement, place branding, and placemaking. Depending on your experience with AI the answers are either surprisingly (or not surprisingly) really good!

2023-11-3018 min

Eyes On The Street Brands and cities - with Hunter Harlow of Sendero ProvisionsIn this episode, we delve into the relationship between cities and brands. Join us as we explore how place, culture, and the identity of a city influence the creation and growth of brands, and conversely, how brands can impact and shape the very essence of a city.We are thrilled to have Hunter Harlow, co-founder of Sendero Provisions, as our special guest. Tune in to discover what cities need to do to foster an environment where brands can thrive, and how these thriving brands, in turn, become cultural ambassadors for their locales. Whether you're a c...

2023-09-0731 min

Eyes On The Street 3rd Places - with Rik AdamskiIn this episode, we are joined by Rik Adamski of Ash + Lime, as we delve into the concept of "3rd places" and their vital role in fostering community and connection. Expanding beyond the realms of home (1st place) and work (2nd place), 3rd places encapsulate environments like cafes, parks, and community centers where individuals gather to socialize, relax, and engage in meaningful interactions. We explore how 3rd places contribute to a sense of belonging, encourage serendipitous encounters, safety, and nurture a diverse range of relationships, and even their role in experiencing our community and environment.

2023-08-1552 min

Eyes On The Street Turning Vacant Spaces Into Artist Spaces - with Evan SnowIn this episode, host Ryan Short from CivicBrand sits down with Evan Snow, the co-founder of Zero Empty Spaces, to delve into the transformative work they are doing in partnership with cities and property owners. Zero Empty Spaces is revolutionizing communities by repurposing vacant spaces into affordable artist studios, resulting in a win-win-win situation. Evan explains how their initiative activates these areas, stimulates economic development, and ultimately creates more vibrant and thriving communities. They discuss the process of collaborating with property owners, selecting artists, and the positive impact that these artist spaces have on the local neighborhoods. Tune...

2023-05-2234 min

Eyes On The Street Blurring Lines Between Remote Workers and Tourists - with Lev KushnerIn the podcast episode, Ryan Short from CivicBrand and Lev Kusher from the Department of Here discuss a recent CityLab article written by Lev. The article explores the increasingly blurred lines between remote workers and tourists, and how this trend is changing the way cities approach economic development, tourism, and destination marketing and branding.Ryan and Lev delve into the implications of this trend for cities, discussing how cities can adapt to this new reality and take advantage of the opportunities it presents. They also explore the potential challenges that cities may face as they navigate this...

2023-05-1137 min

Eyes On The Street A New Strategy For Downtown Events - with Jason GleasonIn this episode, we'll be discussing a new approach to events for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) with Jason Gleason, Executive Director of Montclair Center BID. In many downtown areas, BIDs rely heavily on events to drive foot traffic and economic growth, but is this approach sustainable? Jason shares his insights on the role of BIDs in creating vibrant downtown areas, and how Montclair Center BID in Montclair, NJ is taking a different approach to events that's having a positive impact on their community. Join us as we explore the benefits and challenges of event-based strategies for BIDs, and learn...

2023-05-0838 min

Eyes On The Street An Inside Out Approach to Economic Development - with Jake RishavyIn today's episode, Ryan interviews Jake Rishavy of Chaffee County Economic Development to discuss an inside-out approach to economic development. This strategy emphasizes internal development through initiatives such as start-up cohorts, mentoring, investment, and on-brand events, and is already yielding significant results and impact.Chaffee County EDC:https://chaffeecountyedc.com/Central Mountain Entreprenuershttps://drivenbynature.co/

2023-05-0136 min

Eyes On The Street Public Engagement & Cookie-Cutter Plans - with Jeff SieglerThe title of this episode may shock a few folks. Are we really suggesting to stop doing public engagement? Are we really advocating for a cookie-cutter plan? Maybe, and in many communities, yes.Equitable public engagement is at the foundation of everything we do at CivicBrand, but who hasn't been in a project interview where the client says, "We don't want a cookie-cutter plan"? So, how could we possibly be suggesting this?The reality is that public engagement can be insulting and a waste of time and money when we're asking people things we already...

2023-04-2527 min

Eyes On The Street Creating places for people - with Meristem CommunitiesIn this episode, Ryan Short of CivicBrand is joined by Clayton Garrett and Scott Snodgrass, founders of Meristem Communities, to discuss what it really means to really build for humans. From creating more environmentally and fiscally sustainable communities to places with diverse options so that individuals, couples, families, and seniors can all co-exist and age in place within a community. They discuss sweating the small details and how that is what placemaking really is.

2023-04-0441 min

Go Cultivate!Community Branding and Engagement — with Ryan ShortRyan Short is the CEO of CivicBrand, a firm that blends together branding, communications, and direct engagement with communities. As we think about the kinds of places we want our cities to grow into and be in the future, it's important to directly connect with members of the community to help identify and then take ownership of a place. CivicBrand is right at the place where those things converge. If you are interested in how to get your community more engaged in discussions both large and small, this episode is right for you. There is also some r...

2022-11-011h 12

Eyes On The Street The Problem with DataAt CivicBrand we love data. We use it in the engagement phase to ensure we're reaching everyone, in the strategy and design phase to test ideas, and in the implementation phase to measure what's working and what is not.However, there is a problem with data, especially in the civic space. In this episode Ryan Short and Brisa Byford of CivicBrand dive into the problems with data.Far too many use data as a shield in the decision-making process. They look for data to make the decisions for them so that it shields them from...

2022-10-2023 min

Eyes On The Street Authenticity in Place Branding - with Dr. David D. PerlmutterIn this episode, CivicBrand senior strategist Brisa Byford talks to Dr. David D. Perlmutter, Dean of Communications at Texas Tech University. Brisa and Dr. Perlmutter discuss what truly makes a place authentic, how communities are now competing globally for talent and residents, and the generational impacts on place identity. Dr. Perlmutter has authored ten books on political communication, new media technologies, and higher education published by, among others, Palgrave, Oxford, and Harvard University Press.

2022-07-1351 min

Eyes On The Street Trademarks - with Grady BergenGet some valuable and free legal advice as CivicBrand CEO Ryan Short and trademark and patent attorney Grady Bergen discuss trademarks. Understand the difference between trademarks and copyrights, what rights you have by common law and what rights are extended when you federally register and the steps you need to take to protect your mark.Your brand is one of your most valuable assets and there is a lot of nuance and detail to managing and protecting your brand. If you'd like to hire Grady Bergen to help with a trademark search or registration you can contact h...

2022-05-1738 min

Eyes On The Street You're asking the wrong questionsPublic engagement is all about listening. Whether that's through surveys, focus groups, interviews, or on-the-street engagement we've found that too many cities and consultants are simply asking the wrong questions. In this episode, Ryan Short and Brisa Byford of CivicBrand discuss what those wrong questions are and how to dive deeper and get at the real issues.

2022-04-1234 min

Eyes On The Street Placemaking - with the CivicBrand teamIn this episode of Eyes On The Street, Ryan Short is joined by other members of the CivicBrand team Layne Ferguson, Landon Ferguson and Connor Cox to discuss Placemaking. They discuss what placemaking is, the types of placemaking from large projects to small and the many goals of placemaking from beautification, activation, safety, economic development, civic pride and public engagement. They discuss common barriers or pitfalls that keep cities from doing these projects and how to measure the impact and importance of placemaking.

2021-12-0340 min

Brand Retro with Cyberdogz Brand Spotlight: Civic Brand With Brisa ByfordMike is joined by Senior Strategist at CivicBrand, Brisa Byford! Brisa joins the podcast to talk about the CivicBrand approach on research, branding, consulting, design, and marketing for small towns and cities to create impact and grow communities large and small. This episode has all the feels needed to get inspired to support YOUR community. Highlights What is CivicBrand and what are they doing? - 0:50 Helping small businesses in small towns craft their stories and build their identities. - 1:57 The before, during, and after. - 4:51 Building the brand strategies and processes through direct experience...

2021-11-0220 min

Eyes On The Street Activating Downtown Waco - with Mayor Dillon Meek, Wendy Gragg and Jeffrey VitariusIn this special live episode of Eyes On The Street, the CivicBrand team sits down with Waco Mayor Dillion Meek as well as Wendy Gragg and Jeffrey Vitarius of City Center Waco at the Summer of Downtown launch party in the brand new 7th Street Pedestrian Plaza. The CivicBrand team was hired by Waco to do a parking study, brand audit as well as design and implement two placemaking interventions in Downtown Waco. The first was a 4 block pedestrian walkway to connect the Silos to Austin Avenue and create a safer, more visible and experience for pedestrians. T...

2021-08-0517 min

Eyes On The Street Developing and implementing a place brand - with Andrea HaleyDeveloping a place brand always starts with listening and together with the community crafting a brand story that is authentic. This collaborative and inclusive process doesn't end when the brand has been developed as implementation is key. In today's episode of 'Eyes On The Street' we sit down with Andrea Haley of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo in Alberta, Canada to discuss their journey in developing and implementing their place brand.

2021-06-1519 min

Eyes On The Street The evolution of destination marketing - Chuck DavisonMarketing a region, whether it's a county or other collection of cities comes with a unique set of challenges in both brand architecture and the role destination marketing. In brand architecture it's ensuring you create a common place identity while still allowing individual communities within to have their own unique identity. In destination marketing it's about evolving beyond simply promoting an area to actively managing and advocating for your local community. In today's episode we're joined but Chuck Davison of Visit SLO CAL to talk about just that.

2021-05-2625 min

Eyes On The Street What is a place brand - Clare Dewhirst of City Nation PlaceWhat exactly is a place brand? When done right it is not just about marketing or tourism but rather a clear definition of values that can be used as a filter for policy, strategy and decision making. This focus helps communities both manage growth and attract businesses, residents and visitors that share those values. In this episode of Eyes on the Street we speak to Clare Dewhirst of City Nation Place to discuss how place branding has evolved, challenges and opportunities place brands face coming out of COVID and the upcoming City Nation Place Americas conference.

2021-05-1719 min

Eyes On The Street How school ratings impact our communities - with Tom BrownSchools are one of the most important aspects of a city and greatly impact its economic development efforts. The problem is, simply put, school ratings are biased. Most school ratings focus on test scores which data shows are driven by parents income not the quality of the school. When school ratings are not truly rating the school's performance it can have serious impacts on a community. It perpetuates sprawl, robs parents of time with their children, robs children of valuable diversity experiences, impacts real estate prices, tax revenues and can undercut a city's entire economic development efforts. In today's epis...

2021-05-1241 min

Eyes On The Street Where fiscal and identity overlap - with Chuck MarohnWhat makes a successful community? While there are many definitions and metrics, I'd argue a successful community is one that is both fiscally resilient and has a strong identity of who they are and who they are not - all while providing real opportunity (and not just the veneer of opportunity as today's guest points out). In today's episode, we're joined by Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns to discuss just that.

2021-05-0445 min

Eyes On The Street Quantitative and qualitative research - with Adam ProbolskyFrom statistically valid surveys to focus groups and conversations, what are the roles of both quantitative and qualitative research? What role does equity play in each? Ryan Short and Brisa Byford of CivicBrand are joined by Adam Probolsky of Probolsky Research to discuss engagement and research in community branding and destination marketing projects.

2021-02-1233 min

Eyes On The Street The role of a city's history - with James KunkeIn today's episode we sit down with James Kunke, the Community Relations & Tourism Director, with the City of Lewisville, TX to discuss the role of history in shaping a community's identity. From the International Pop Festival in 1969 to the city's history as a farming community we discuss ways your history can shape your community in the future.

2020-08-1918 min

Eyes On The Street Divisiveness and local economies - with Sarah O'BrienWe all know how political differences can pull us apart but those same differences could be exactly what our communities need. In today's episode we speak with Sarah O'Brien of Collaborative Development Collective about political divisiveness and local economies.

2020-08-0523 min

Eyes On The Street Civic pride (Part 2) - with CivicBrand teamAs a follow-up to the previous episode the CivicBrand team (Kinsey Stewart, Brisa Byford, Colin Coolidge, and Ryan Short) discuss ways that cities can foster civic pride.

2020-07-2117 min

Eyes On The Street Civic pride (Part 1) - with Jeff Siegler of Revitalize, or DieJeff Siegler of Revitalize, or Die sat down with CivicBrand founder Ryan Short at the recent Texas Downtowns Conference. They discuss civic pride and how place shapes us.

2020-07-0722 min

Eyes On The Street Living the brand - with Jason ThorneBranding, while something we're all aware of is something that is so misunderstood. A brand is a promise that has to be lived up to every day. It is built through a series of consistent and ongoing cumulative experiences. Skeptics of branding think it is just a logo, tagline or lipstick on a pig - unfortunately they are right in far too many cases. Very few approach branding the right way and develop a system and structure that allows them to truly live the brand. In today's episode we'll be talking with Jason Thorne with the...

2020-06-1327 min

Eyes On The Street Managing Downtowns - with Letecia McNattLetecia McNatt, the downtown coordinator with the City of Garland sat down with CivicBrand founder, Ryan Short at the recent Texas Downtowns conference to discuss managing downtowns and fostering the relationships between business owners, the city and residents.

2020-05-3121 min

Eyes On The Street Revitalization without Gentrification - with Derek AveryReal estate developer Derek Avery sits down with CivicBrand founder Ryan Short to discuss revitalization without gentrification and the role of preservation in development.

2020-05-1210 min

Eyes On The Street Embracing contrast - with Santa Fe Mayor, Alan WebberCities are dynamic places, full of contrast. Young people, older people, those who are new the community and those who have been there for generations. Those who want things to stay the same and those who want change. How does a city - whether for branding or planning projects - ever build consensus amongst such a diverse community?Diversity is what makes our cities great. So how do we embrace that diversity and contrast to create something that is better together. That's what we'll be talking about on today's episode of Eyes on The Street.Al...

2020-04-2914 min