Summary

What does it take to get something done in a community? What does it take to get something built? What does it take to change a city?

Sean Webster is an social entrepreneur, organizer, and citizen developer. His story centers around how one can make change in a community despite immense headwinds. Sean discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and community developer in Boston, focusing on the importance of creating sustainable environments for growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of urban development, the need for trust and communication between developers and the community, and the role of creativity in shaping the future of neighborhoods. The discussion highlights the balance between community needs and development goals, emphasizing collaboration and collective action to foster positive change.

NOTE: The residential development project that is discussed in the episode awaiting city approval, received that approval shortly after the recording of this episode.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, community development, real estate, urban planning, trust, collaboration, housing, Boston, social impact, creativity, downtown, cities, urban design

Chapters

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Boston 02:57 Revitalizing Downtown Boston 06:15 Navigating Real Estate Inequities 09:06 Collective Economics and Community Empowerment 11:55 Building a New Model for Community Development 15:13 The Challenges of Community Trust 17:56 The Role of Design in Community Spaces 21:04 Friction in Community Development 23:55 The Impact of Preservation on Development 27:15 The Future of One Elmwood Project 39:41 Community Development Challenges 42:48 Navigating Bureaucracy and Community Expectations 46:07 The Importance of Resilience in Development 49:30 Inter-Agency Communication Issues 53:04 Financial Risks and Community Impact 56:56 The Long Road to Realizing Dreams 01:01:08 The Role of Democracy in Development 01:05:10 Engaging the Younger Generation 01:09:07 Creativity as a Driving Force 01:12:07 The Future of Community Development

Links

Sean Webster This family wants to redevelop their Roxbury home into much-needed housing. It isn’t working - Boston Globe

Roxbury family will be allowed to replace their house with an apartment building after years-long neighborhood battle - Boston Globe