Podcast 150: Rethinking Highway Corridors with Dan Eernissee

Episode 150 of the Econ Dev Show is out.

In this episode, Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development.

From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents.

Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure.

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Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces
2. Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors
3. Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing
4. Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors
5. Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development
6. Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce
7. Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities
8. Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors
9. Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development
10. Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs

Episode Links

• Choose Everett
• Dan Eernissee | LinkedIn
• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber
• Building Healthy Corridors: Transforming Urban and Suburban Arterials Into Thriving Places