Leading Expert on P3s Focuses on Attracting Private-Sector Investment

The International Downtown Association recently released their first six Top Issues Council reports, which feature industry leaders who produced in-depth research briefs on top urban issues. Kim Briesemeister, principal of Redevelopment Management Associates, served on the Public-Private Partnerships Council, providing insights into the best strategies city leaders should implement to attract private-sector investment in the report “Partnerships for Urban Place Management.”Briesemeister is an internationally regarded expert on redevelopment and is the co-author of “Reinventing Your City - 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around.”

“For the past eight months,IDA Top Issues Council members have worked together to create this invaluable instrument to guide industry leaders and downtown champions,” said Briesemeister. “I am honored to have been part of this prestigious group, and I hope that our combined research and recommendations will assist cities in creating new successes for their communities.”

This guide is intended to provide practitioners with many methods, tactics, and issues that public-private partnerships (P3s)can address, including improvements within public safety, economic development, planning, mobility, infrastructure, outreach, engagement, planning, finance, public space management and activation, marketing and events.

Briesemeister, who has negotiated 11 public-private real estate transactions resulting in hundreds of millions of investment dollars in city centers and urban cores, focused on real-life examples as a way to guide leaders.

“There are many nuances to the process,” she explained. “And it can be very difficult to do it right. A clear vision and strong leadership are key to establishing the environment that will attract the private sector.”

In the report, one example that Briesemeister details is the reinvention of West Palm Beach’s downtown through the creation of one the largest public-private real estate deals in the country. Briesemeister was the CRA Director of West Palm Beach following the opening of City Place and worked with legal counsel on multiple amendments to the development agreement. Initially, this bold plan called for acquisition of more than 72 acres of land, and redevelopment of the area as a large-scale, mixed-use project. The development of the site spanned three mayoral terms. West Palm Beach’s downtown transformed from what seemed to be permanent blight and hopelessness into a premiere destination featuring top businesses, retailers, restaurants and an acclaimed convention center.

About the IDA Top Issues Councils:

The International Downtown Association’s Top Issues Councils are a strategic research initiative that brings together industry leaders to produce research briefs on the top urban issues identified by IDA members in the areas of economy, experience and partnership. Each council is led by a chair, comprised of place management professionals sharing their expert knowledge, and supported by IDA staff and the IDA Research Committee. Those selected to serve on a council contribute their expertise to the growing, relevant body of knowledge on the place management industry. The current report is available for purchase at www.downtown.org.