Recast Your City

In our first live podcast episode the Booked on Planning hosts sit down with author Ilana Preuss to discuss her book, Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing. The episode challenges traditional economic development strategies and presents a compelling new model for revitalizing communities.

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Preuss, the founder of Recast City LLC, argues that many cities and towns have made a critical mistake by relying on large-scale, corporate recruitment to stimulate growth. This "chasing the big fish" approach often leaves downtowns with empty storefronts and a fragile economy.

Instead, Preuss advocates for a shift in focus to a more resilient and inclusive model: supporting small-scale manufacturing. She highlights how local creators of products—from craft breweries and hot sauce makers to furniture builders and handbag designers—are the hidden gems of a local economy. These businesses not only create jobs but also add to the unique character and vitality of a place.

The episode explains that by nurturing these entrepreneurs, communities can create self-sustaining economies and vibrant, unique downtowns. It provides an actionable roadmap for planners and local leaders to re-imagine their economic development strategies, demonstrating that the most effective solutions are often homegrown.