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

How to Fix a Neighborhood Without Bulldozing It

20 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

In this episode, 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.

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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.