195: Lessons from One of America’s Great Neighborhoods with 3CDC's Joe Rudemiller

What this episode covers

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Joe Rudemiller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), about how the organization helped turn Over-the-Rhine from a crime-ridden, disinvested neighborhood into one of America’s most celebrated urban communities. Joe shares how strategic partnerships with the corporate sector, catalytic public spaces, historic preservation, and mission-driven development created a vibrant, mixed-income district filled with local businesses and active civic life. He also discusses how programming, special improvement districts, and community initiatives like GeneroCity 513 and fair-chance hiring continue to strengthen the fabric of downtown Cincinnati — and what lessons other cities can apply to their own revitalization efforts. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Partner with the corporate community -- Long-term commitment from anchor companies can provide patient capital and momentum for revitalization. Start small and scale -- Begin with one corner or block to build early wins and demonstrate what's possible. Use historic assets as a foundation -- Preserving and reusing historic buildings can anchor revitalization and attract residents and businesses. Prioritize mixed-income housing -- Transitioning from condos to affordable and workforce housing ensures inclusive growth. Activate civic spaces -- Programming parks and plazas year-round builds community and safety. Think beyond real estate -- Manage business improvement districts, events, and outreach to sustain neighborhood vibrancy. Leverage federal incentives -- Tools like New Markets and Historic Tax Credits can make otherwise infeasible projects work. Align with city leadership without being bound by it -- A nimble, non-governmental structure can speed decision-making while maintaining alignment. Invest in social programs -- Initiatives like homeless outreach and fair-chance hiring strengthen community ties and outcomes. Catalyze private investment -- Public or nonprofit investment can pave the way for private development once confidence builds. Special Guest: Joe Rudemiller.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt helps economic developers understand their sites, match them to projects, and respond with confidence in minutes instead of scrambling for days. Links:Joe Rudemiller | LinkedIn 3CDC: Overview | LinkedIn 3CDC 3CDC | Instagram What's next for 3CDC? These projects could reshape Cincinnati (again) How Cincinnati Salvaged the Nation’s Most Dangerous Neighborhood - POLITICO Magazine How 3CDC became a vital redevelopment force What is 3CDC in Cincinnati? Where does 3CDC get its money? OTR North: $100 million project lands Cincinnati City Council funds - Cincinnati Business Courier — Massive $100M 'OTR North' project secures first-phase financing Over-The-Rhine: Is this a model for urban renewal or a warning sign? Cincinnati company Paycor moving into Downtown's old Saks building 3CDC unveils proposals for new convention hotel Cincinnati's Foundry bld. brings upscale offices near Downtown square Look inside Music Hall after its $143 million, 16-month renovation