Four decades as a downtown professional

Abstract

Downtown rejuvenation has matured as an industry and a profession. Downtown practitioner Gary Ferguson has served in the field of downtown place management and development for over four decades. This paper presents a synopsis of this 40-year journey, reflecting on four categories of professional reference: salient trends, professional lessons, concerns for the future and observations about the profession. The author notes that 40 years ago the work of downtown rejuvenation was a blossoming industry, melded from marketing, economic development, chambers of commerce and private industry. By 2021, the work of downtown rejuvenation and place making has become its own bona fide profession. Among the topics surveyed are gentrification and the lack of middle market housing opportunities, the dizzying evolution of retail and its impact on downtown centres, and the unending and constant change that occurs in downtown districts. The author reflects upon the continued strength of suburbia, even during the resurgence and boom of the downtown district across the globe. He also notes the importance of partnerships and community champions in fostering strong success in the downtown revitalisation and the critical role of strategic planning in guiding downtown rejuvenation over the long term. The evolution of place making is also addressed. Forty years ago, place making was considered a frivolous and soft exercise; today place making is regarded as a fundamental part of a successful economic development strategy.