1. Live from the Geekdom Event Centre: Reviving Downtown San Antonio with Randy Smith

Randy Smith, a downtown pioneer, faces the irony of his own success as he navigates a complex web of corporate citizens, real estate developers, and student housing needs to fulfill his ambitious goal of transforming downtown San Antonio into a thriving urban hub. In this episode, you will:  Discover how a public-private partnership transformed downtown San Antonio through innovative mixed-use development. Uncover the unique approach of Weston Urban's rental-focused residential strategy for long-term success. Learn how addressing student housing demands supports UTSA's downtown campus expansion.   Delve into the effects of remote work on office spaces, tax revenues, and the future of urban development.   Master the balance between remote and in-person work for fostering trust and maximizing business effectiveness. Randy Smith, CEO of Weston Urban, has been a driving force in the ongoing development of downtown San Antonio. With an impressive track record of successful projects, Randy has helped shape the city's landscape through innovative public-private partnerships, most notably with Frost Bank and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). His expertise in urban development and commitment to sustainable growth has made him a respected figure in the industry. Passionate about creating vibrant, livable communities, Randy's long-term strategy for Weston Urban focuses on renting residential units rather than selling them, ensuring a diverse mix of residents and a thriving downtown area. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:03 - Introduction 00:03:16 - Public-Private Partnership 00:09:23 - UTSA Expansion 00:11:42 - Student Housing 00:13:19 - UTSA Partnership