Alleys and Waves of Innovation? Get in the Game.

Описание: This is Part 1 of our powerful conversation with James Johnson-Piett, the Founding Principal and CEO of Urbane Development and Board Chair of Mangrove Community Wealth, Inc. In this first installment, James shares how he began charting a new course in community development. He’s a leader who asked, “What if the people who live in a neighborhood were the ones to shape its future?” and then went on to make that idea reality. James recounts the early days of launching Urbane, starting in 2008 during an economic crisis, and how he defied expectations to prove that investing in overlooked communities can succeed. 💪🌆

In Part 1, James and our host discuss:

Breaking New Ground: How James dared to found a mission-driven company when the odds (and many experts) were against him, and the key steps he took to establish credibility and trust from the very beginning.

Community at the Center: The story of how engaging directly with local entrepreneurs and residents led to innovative solutions. For example, hear about James’s role in opening a grocery market in a long-neglected area, and how it became a catalyst for hope and commerce.

Overcoming Skepticism: Challenges James faced early on, from securing capital to persuading stakeholders to believe in community-led projects. He shares anecdotes of turning doubters into supporters by delivering results that spoke for themselves.

Lessons in Resilience: James’s personal reflections on navigating uncertainty, staying true to his mission, and the support system that helped him persist through stressful times. He also touches on how AI and data are emerging as both challenges and tools in neighborhood revitalization, and how tech must be approached with care and community trust.

👉 Watch Part 1 to hear James’s story so far. It’s an inspiring look at how one person’s vision sparked change in multiple communities. And don’t forget to catch Part 2 for the rest of this compelling conversation (coming soon on this channel). If you enjoy this video, please like and leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more Future Tide Conversations with changemakers like James.

About James: James Johnson-Piett is a visionary community development leader and the Principal and CEO of Urbane Development and Board Chair of Mangrove Community Wealth, Inc. With a background that spans over 100 communities, he specializes in turning local strengths into engines of economic growth. James has worked with thousands of small businesses and helped drive projects that bring essential services, like fresh food and affordable financing, to underserved areas. He’s been recognized as one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in Real Estate (2022) and an Aspen Ideas Fellow (2019), among many honors that reflect his commitment to inclusive, community-led innovation.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Visit Urbane Development: thisisurbane.com
🔗 Learn about Rising Tide Capital: risingtidecapital.org
🔔 Subscribe to Future Tide Conversations for Part 2 and more inspiring episodes.