How Artists Drive Real Estate and Economic Growth

In episode 172, Garrett Greco sits down with Michele Smith to break down how arts, culture, and creative infrastructure directly impact economic growth, real estate development, and the long-term identity of cities like Tampa.Michele Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Tampa’s creative economy and positioning the region as a nationally and internationally recognized arts city. She leads cross-sector partnerships between artists, developers, government, and private industry to build sustainable cultural infrastructure, expand access to markets, and elevate creativity as a driver of economic and community development.He explains:◼️ Why cities that invest in the arts attract stronger talent, businesses, and long-term growth◼️ How creative infrastructure increases walkability, property value, and economic resilience◼️ What role developers and small property owners can play in supporting the arts◼️ Why authentic cultural identity matters more than copying other major cities◼️ How Tampa is building the foundation to become a nationally recognized arts destination0:00:00 - Introduction0:00:57 - Downtown Arts Center0:04:04 - Tampa Arts Alliance 0:09:55 - Arts in Development 0:14:25 - Tampa Arts Education0:17:29 - Affordable Housing for Artists0:25:37 - Zero Empty Spaces0:36:59 - Gasparilla0:49:43 - Art for Small Developers 0:54:45 - Tampa Public Art0:07:21 - Roundabout Art