Catalyzing urban change through institutional impact with Alex Feldman

How do you turn institutional ambition into a catalyst for community change? 

This week on Building Better Cities, host Kate Gasparro sits down with Alex Feldman of U3 Advisors, a firm working at the intersection of anchor institutions and urban revitalization. From Detroit to Memphis to Philadelphia, U3 has helped universities and hospitals rethink their role in the cities they call home—not just as employers or landowners, but as partners in development.

They talk about how U3 has helped create lasting institutions like the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, why building trust between universities and neighbors is harder—and more essential—than ever, and how strategic real estate development can help solve big challenges like talent retention, quality of life, and local economic resilience.

Alex and Kate explore what it takes to align institutional goals with community needs, how intermediary organizations act as both the gas and the glue for urban partnerships, and why the future of thriving downtowns may hinge on strong, place-based institutions.

Resources:

Terrapin Development Company

Live Detroit boosts Midtown's revival in Detroit

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