Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

195: Lessons from One of America’s Great Neighborhoods with 3CDC's Joe Rudemiller


Listen Later

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Joe Rudemiller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), about how the organization helped turn Over-the-Rhine from a crime-ridden, disinvested neighborhood into one of America’s most celebrated urban communities.

Joe shares how strategic partnerships with the corporate sector, catalytic public spaces, historic preservation, and mission-driven development created a vibrant, mixed-income district filled with local businesses and active civic life.

He also discusses how programming, special improvement districts, and community initiatives like GeneroCity 513 and fair-chance hiring continue to strengthen the fabric of downtown Cincinnati — and what lessons other cities can apply to their own revitalization efforts.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
  1. Partner with the corporate community -- Long-term commitment from anchor companies can provide patient capital and momentum for revitalization.
  2. Start small and scale -- Begin with one corner or block to build early wins and demonstrate what's possible.
  3. Use historic assets as a foundation -- Preserving and reusing historic buildings can anchor revitalization and attract residents and businesses.
  4. Prioritize mixed-income housing -- Transitioning from condos to affordable and workforce housing ensures inclusive growth.
  5. Activate civic spaces -- Programming parks and plazas year-round builds community and safety.
  6. Think beyond real estate -- Manage business improvement districts, events, and outreach to sustain neighborhood vibrancy.
  7. Leverage federal incentives -- Tools like New Markets and Historic Tax Credits can make otherwise infeasible projects work.
  8. Align with city leadership without being bound by it -- A nimble, non-governmental structure can speed decision-making while maintaining alignment.
  9. Invest in social programs -- Initiatives like homeless outreach and fair-chance hiring strengthen community ties and outcomes.
  10. Catalyze private investment -- Public or nonprofit investment can pave the way for private development once confidence builds.
  11. Special Guest: Joe Rudemiller.

    Sponsored By:

    • Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

    Links:

    • Joe Rudemiller | LinkedIn
    • 3CDC: Overview | LinkedIn
    • 3CDC
    • 3CDC | Instagram
    • What's next for 3CDC? These projects could reshape Cincinnati (again)
    • How Cincinnati Salvaged the Nation’s Most Dangerous Neighborhood - POLITICO Magazine
    • How 3CDC became a vital redevelopment force
    • What is 3CDC in Cincinnati? Where does 3CDC get its money?
    • OTR North: $100 million project lands Cincinnati City Council funds - Cincinnati Business Courier — Massive $100M 'OTR North' project secures first-phase financing
    • Over-The-Rhine: Is this a model for urban renewal or a warning sign?
    • Cincinnati company Paycor moving into Downtown's old Saks building
    • 3CDC unveils proposals for new convention hotel
    • Cincinnati's Foundry bld. brings upscale offices near Downtown square
    • Look inside Music Hall after its $143 million, 16-month renovation
    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic DevelopmentBy Dane Carlson

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    15 ratings


    More shows like Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

    View all
    Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

    Freakonomics Radio

    32,079 Listeners

    Marketplace by Marketplace

    Marketplace

    8,708 Listeners

    WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal

    WSJ What’s News

    4,359 Listeners

    The Daily by The New York Times

    The Daily

    112,454 Listeners

    Up First from NPR by NPR

    Up First from NPR

    56,402 Listeners

    The Indicator from Planet Money by NPR

    The Indicator from Planet Money

    9,516 Listeners

    Develop This: Economic and Community Development by Develop This! Podcast

    Develop This: Economic and Community Development

    45 Listeners

    The Journal. by The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

    The Journal.

    6,053 Listeners

    Fiction - Comedy Fiction by The Sunset Explorers

    Fiction - Comedy Fiction

    6,448 Listeners

    ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast by Golden Shovel Agency

    ShovelTalk: An Economic Development Podcast

    2 Listeners

    The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

    The Ezra Klein Show

    16,097 Listeners

    Morning Wire by The Daily Wire

    Morning Wire

    26,665 Listeners

    The Economics of Everyday Things by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

    The Economics of Everyday Things

    1,651 Listeners

    This is Gavin Newsom by iHeartPodcasts

    This is Gavin Newsom

    7,033 Listeners

    The SEDC Podcast by The Southern Economic Development Council

    The SEDC Podcast

    2 Listeners