Through candid storytelling and practical examples, Kat explains how communities can reclaim vacant and abandoned properties without displacement—and why listening to community “whispers” is the key to sustainable revitalization.

In this episode, we explore:

• Lived experience should shape leadership and solutions. Kat emphasizes that real, lasting change comes from leaders who understand the systems firsthand, not just in theory.
• Communities must be true partners, not afterthoughts. Effective revitalization starts with residents, not after decisions are made. Listening early leads to sustainable outcomes.
• Fixing systems matters more than fixing properties. The Center for Community Progress focuses on policy, education, and tools that address the root causes of vacancy and disinvestment.
• Revitalization can happen without displacement. When done right, community-led strategies can increase stability, homeownership, and quality of life—without fueling gentrification.

Quotable: “You can censor words—but you can’t censor lived experience.”

Link to register for the 2026 reclaiming vacant properties conference: 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference | Center for Community Progress

Resources and Links
Connect with Kat J. Guillaume-Delemar on on LinkedIn
Center for Community Progress
Resources for Community Development Leaders & Professionals | Center for Community Progress
National Land Bank Network | Center for Community Progress
Creating Homeownership Opportunities in Newark through Housing Choice Vouchers | Center for Community Progress
From Harm to Home | Center for Community Progress
Chatham Savannah Land Bank Authority | Savannah, GA
Benzie County, MI
Detriot Land Bank Authority
Detroit Landy Bank Authority Rehabbed & Ready Program
County of Saginaw, MI - Land Bank
Publications | Center for Community Progress

Special Guest: Kathleen (Kat) J. Guillaume-Delemar.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from public-sector leadership to private consulting. Amalia explains the key differences between working inside local government and advising from the outside, and how her background enables her to bridge gaps among policy, planning, and implementation.
• Practical guidance for developers and local stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of understanding municipal processes, zoning, and regulatory frameworks.
• Organizational structures (restructures) and their impact on effectiveness. Amalia explains when restructuring economic development departments makes sense, what local governments should consider during the process, and how structure can either enable or hinder results.

Quotable: “ No matter what side of the table you're sitting on, if you're an economic developer, if you're the private sector trying to do a project, I always try to approach my work and my practice assuming the best intentions from everyone else involved.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Amalia Cunningham on LinkedIn
Amalia Cunningham Consulting
News and Views American Planning Association, "Where Should Economic Development Live?"

Special Guest: Amalia Cunningham, AICP.

From growing up as a military kid to leading in a male-dominated industry, Danielle shares how mentorship, lifelong learning, and strategic networking shaped her career. She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at IEDC’s key initiatives and the role of allyship in driving change.

In this episode, we explore:

• Danielle’s unexpected path into economic development
• How OUEDI boosts professional growth
• The power of organic mentorship
• Strategies for women in male-dominated industries
• IEDC’s evolving role and key initiatives

Quotable: “There has never been a time when I didn’t walk out of that going, Wow, I had something to offer, but boy did I learn a lot."

Resources and Links
Connect with Danielle Casey on LinkedIn
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance

Special Guest: Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP.

In this episode, we explore:

• How economic and community development intersect to drive change
• The ‘Bridges Out of Poverty’ model and its role in systemic solutions
• Building a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy
• Why cross-sector collaboration is essential for lasting impact
• The Urban Institute framework and its influence on upward mobility

Quotable: “It’s not just, hey, under-resourced folks, you know, you've got to build your resources and life stability, but it’s also, hey, community, here’s why these are challenges and barriers to people in our communities from getting ahead and truly staying ahead.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Mary Cacioppi on LinkedIn
Aha Process
Bridges to Prosperity
The Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework
The Urban Institute
Economic Development that Benefits Everyone – Book
A Framework for Understanding Poverty – Book

Special Guest: Mary Cacioppi.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from economic development to marketing and communications.
• Why certifications and continuous professional development are important.
• Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships.
• Strategies for engaging community partners and reaching underserved populations.
• The different communication styles of male and female practitioners.

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Sandy Dubay on LinkedIn
PPR Strategies

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:

• The launch and impact of the REDI Sites program from pilot to full implementation
• Criteria and benefits of site designations
• The relationship between economic developers and site selectors
• Strategies for communities to attract quality investments
• The role and expansion of the Site Selectors Guild

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Didi Caldwell on LinkedIn
Connect with Carrie Kelly on LinkedIn
Site Selectors Guild
REDI Sites

Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell.

In this episode, we explore:
The concept and benefits of "failing fast" in professional growth
Essential traits for leading women in economic development: collaboration, adaptability, and bias management
The significance of building and leveraging a supportive network among women
The evolution and future of Brittany Deal's roles, including her upcoming responsibilities as Director of Economic Competitiveness
Strategies for bold networking and engaging effectively in the industry

Quotable
“Empowered women inspire and support other women, fostering a community where we can all thrive.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Brittany Deal on LinkedIn
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)

Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP.

Quotable
“I would say to every woman, while it's not easy, I would encourage you to believe in what you say and say what you believe and then act appropriately upon those beliefs."

Resources and Links
Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED)
Connect with Terri Bradshaw on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Terri Bradshaw.

*In this episode, we explore:
*

• The concept of "targeted universalism"
• The importance of community-centered events
• What is JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)?
• Progressive policies vs. state bans
• Diverse, resilient, and inclusive leadership models

Quotable

“Imagine a world where anyone can create a business and not have these huge hurdles and so much hardship trying to access capital and resources. We need to learn how to take people seriously and give them the opportunity. And why do we do that differently depending on people's demographic backgrounds?"

*Resources and Links
*
New Mexico Economic Development Department
Connect with Shani Harvie
Connect with Rita Veleta

Special Guests: Rita Veleta, EDP and Shani Harvie.

In this episode, we explore:

• Family-first values and flexible work schedules
• Diversity and opportunities in economic development
• Hiring people to complement weaknesses
• Saying 'yes' to challenges and combating self-doubt
• Upcoming Plans for St. Croix EDC

Quotable

“You have the skills, the tools and the resources. It's up to you how you implement those and take that leap into the journey of moving to that next step"

*Resources and Links
*
How to be a Power Connector by Judy Robinett

IEDC Training Courses

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation

Connect with Melissa Meschke on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Melissa Meschke, CEcD, EDP.

• The importance of regional cooperation
• The creative energy solutions that are pushing Kentucky towards a sustainable future
• Why resilience, passion, and adaptability are essential in economic development
• Expansion of the bourbon industry in Kentucky
• … and how to focus on what makes your workforce unique

Quotable

“Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun."

*Resources and Links
*

Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Standup Rural America
Coopapalooza
Connect with Brittany Cox on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Brittany Cox.

For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations.

In this episode, we explore:

• ‘Male Allyship’ and Including men in discussions about women's issues
• Navigating perceptions around age and experience
• Promoting diversity on boards
• How can employers better support working parents?
• The importance of being confident and vulnerable as a leader

Quotable
“I've taken the risk multiple times in my career to just be my authentic self and be vulnerable about an obstacle in front of me, a challenge I was having, a solution that wasn't readily coming to me."

Resources and Links
SizeUp
Connect with Cecilia Harry on on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:
Invest in Atlanta's unique approach during the COVID-19 pandemic
The importance of accessible resources for low-income earners
How economic development can balance supporting both large corporations and small businesses
The personal challenges she's faced in her career
… and some valuable advice on persistence and authenticity

Quotable
"Can I get small businesses to create wealth? And as they create wealth for themselves and their family, they hire more employees that then create wealth for their employees."

Resources and Links
Invest Atlanta
Advance Atlanta
Connect with Dr Eloisa Klementich on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD.

In this episode, we explore:

• Establishing the pilot school in Plattsburgh for foreign students after the 9/11 regulations
• The importance of community preparedness in the face of unexpected events
• What are "red carpet" meetings?
• How often should teams prepare for conversations to stay updated with new laws and industry concerns?
• The role of mentorship in economic development

Quotable
“Being able to be there for the long haul and be willing to spend that time and that effort to maintain your companies and maintain those relationships is something I think is very important”

Resources and Links
North Country Good Life
North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment
Connect with Sue on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Sue Matton, CEcD.

Combining regionalism and ruralism is easier said than done. How do we balance support for our region while also competitively marketing our rural communities? Join Lorie Vincent, the Founder of Acceleration By Design, and Kaycee as they explore the topics of regionalism, female empowerment, and rural America. Lorie shares her insight into the importance of building regionalism, encourages female practitioners, and addresses how to support rural communities.

Key Takeaways

Regionalism

• Teamwork makes the dream work; a regional strategy, enhancing the value of strength through numbers and having a common message, can advance economic competitiveness and collective assets.

• If you have naysayers who oppose regionalism, provide tangible data to validate the return on investment, the benefits of working regionally, and the strategy behind lead generation, as opposed to working independently.

• When it comes to regional initiatives, ensure your individual community's identity will not be suppressed or restricted.

• If you are a regional EDP, assess the accessibility and balance of resources provided to your small communities; their needs will differ from those of larger metros.

Being a Women in Economic Development

• Find a strong mentor and allies.
• Be active in ED associations, especially committee work.
• Build, build, build.

Rural Economic Development

• Invest in your community. Don't wait.
• Learn what other communities are doing and tailor it to address your challenges and enhance your competitive advantages.

Quotables

"...the value of addressing challenges together that we could do so much more together than any of us could have done alone."

"if we wanted to really make some big things happen, some transformational things, then we had to do it together."

"...a win for a community 30 miles away or 60 miles away is a win for your community too."

"I carry a soft stick and I'm all about being positive and enthusiastic. And I think that has carried me well through my career. My mom taught me that."

"...don't worry about what barriers you may have because you're a young female in a male oriented industry, build your body of work where it cannot be disputed, where it will hold up, regardless of whose it is, build your, Success, build your resume, your training, build your skill set and your network."

"Nobody's going to invest in your community if you don't invest in yourself. And that's not just about money. It's about work and, and just building your community to be the best that it can be."

Resouces & Links

• •https://www.accelerationbydesign.com/

• •https://www.standupruralamerica.com/

Special Guest: Lorie Vincent, CEcD.

Many communities want to attract the greatest and most well-known high-tech companies. But, do they have the capacity to retain them? Would they even be a good fit for their communities? How would they know? Beka Burton from the Community and Economic Development Initiative of KY (CEDIK) breaks down the importance of embracing technology as an opportunity to fill data intelligence gaps to strengthen your economic development strategy.

Join Beka and Kaycee as they dive into business intelligence data platforms and how to discover and explore data that can drive informed decision-making within your organization and business community. Beka shares her insight into CEDIK's technology-based resources for Kentucky practitioners and leaders and how they impact business development strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Utilize the resources (yes, even the free resources), people, and organizations in your network to embrace technology to make better informed decisions as a practitioner.

• Dig deep with your business community to determine what the gaps are in technology accessibility and what resources, products, and data are available to protect and enhance their business intelligence.

• Collaborate with your community's communication coordinators; narrow down the output for more effective communication with your business community.

Quotables

"...making technology work for you instead of having you work with technology."

"...it's finding the volunteer within the community It's able to dedicate time and managing some of these relationships with the businesses."

"We want to remove those barriers for access for great technology."

"...is it really helpful if all I need is a Phillips head screwdriver, and you just keep giving me a hammer? No. I mean, will I get the job done? A hundred percent yes."

"... businesses expand and stay because they feel cared for."

"Communities that embrace technology are a lot more resilient in the face of challenges."

"It's important that we're challenged by others across different backgrounds, with different ethnicities, with different professional and personal experiences."

Resouces & Links

• •https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/

• •https://www.ruralplacemaking.com/

• •https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/bludot

• •https://sizeupkentucky.com/

• •https://www.harlancountyeda.com/harlan-county-business-park

Special Guest: Beka Burton, CEcD.

The night of December 10th, 2021, changed the lives of many people, including Kathy O'Nan, the Mayor of Mayfield, Kentucky. Mayor O'Nan is a courageous and empathetic leader who advocates for her community and dedicated to recovering and revisioning the hope and future of Mayfield. Hey story serves as a powerful example of what economic recovery looks like in rural Kentucky and how to lead in disaster.

Join Mayor O'Nan and Kaycee as they dive into what were the first critical steps in the recovery process, what was it like working with local, regional, state, and federal partners in the critical recovery phase, and what the business/workforce recovery process has been like for the past two years. Mayor O'Nan generously shares her journey in navigating the throws of disaster recovery and recalls tatics and stratgies that Mayfield in both the critical and recovery phases.

Key Takeaways

• Be flexible and creative with the response and recovery strategies.

• Utilize community development stratgies, such as the "stick note meeting" method.

• Celebrate or find happiness in the midst of disaster.

• "Utilize everybody you have and take advantage of everything that's brought to you".

Quotables

• "Our foot prints stopped for a short period of time".

• "Many of us got so tired of hearing, the disaster beging locally and end locally. Well, okay, but tell me how to get through this. But, I get it now. This is our disaster. We decide how we're going to get through it with a lot of help at first."

• "You just got to get rid of that shock from the first and then make a plan and then try to move forward as best as you can. And that's what we're doing."

• "People ask me, "how do you do this?" The fact is, I have no idea. You just keep going."

Resouces & Links

About the December 2021 Tornadoes

• • https://www.weather.gov/pah/December-10th-11th-2021-Tornado

Mayfield, Kentucky

• • http://www.mayfieldky.gov/index.php

• • http://www.gravescountyed.com/

• • https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/12/15/us/mayfield-kentucky-tornado-damage.html

• • Trace Adkins - Somewhere In America (Official Music Video) https://youtu.be/sHMlmNTE9SE

Economic Resiliency & Disaster Recovery

• • https://restoreyoureconomy.org/pages/phases-of-disaster/

• • https://www.iedconline.org/pages/disaster-recovery/

• • https://www.eda.gov/resources/comprehensive-economic-development-strategy/content/economic-resilience

• • https://www.nado.org/resilient-regions-integrating-economic-development-strategies-sustainability-principles-and-hazard-mitigation-planning/

• • https://www.cedscentral.com/resilience.html

• • https://www.disasterassistance.gov/information/fact-sheets

• • https://resilience.climate.gov/

Special Guest: Mayor Kathy O'Nan.