16 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Capital follows talent, and talent follows place. Cities on the move understand this truth. People and companies invest in communities when they know they can find good workers. Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup, writes in his bestselling book The Coming Jobs War that cities that thrive are those that can attract the talent to fill jobs. Creating and sustaining a workforce is not easy. The communities that create a great place to live, earn, learn, and play will be the winners. This list can, and should, include Janesville. Housing Mix Matters What makes a great place to live? The answer is different for each person and each age group. Younger people want work opportunities and a vibrant community. Janesville’s new Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center fits the need to bring people together and create energy. The best way to attract visitors is by making the community a great place for those who already live there. Thriving cities also have vibrant downtowns. People want a reason to go downtown, and smart cities provide it. Janesville is doing many things right: from programming of runs, walks, and festivals; to shopping and entertainment; to well-designed public spaces and venues. All of this brings more interest in living downtown. Not only do younger people want to live there, so do baby boomers. A key for all groups is a sense of safety. When more people move in, it enhances safety and leads to more jobs, more city revenue, and more housing availability. The key is offering a mix of residential options—from different sizes of living units to varied rent and purchase opportunities. As Shane Phillips shows in his book The Affordable City, all housing is important. It comes down to supply and demand. A healthy mix benefits the person looking for a starter home as well as the family in need of a larger residence. For this second group, the quality of schools and childcare is a top priority. Speed to Market Drives Growth A city’s likelihood of thriving can hinge on its ability to move quickly in decision making. This does not mean rushing for the sake of speed. The opportunity must be right for the community. As Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute says, character counts. Turning down bad development creates space for good development to follow. When a city is well organized and has a sensible approval process in place, more economic investment will come. Investors base decisions on the market. They need a customer base to buy their product or service. They also face changing costs of supplies, labor, and borrowing. Contractors will only lock in guaranteed maximum prices for a limited time. A small shift in any of these areas can stop, delay, or reduce investment. All of this is time-sensitive. Cities that make approvals user-friendly and efficient give themselves a decisive edge. A Shared Future Attracting and retaining talent is the same as attracting and retaining residents. Both require investment—and making it easier for investors pays off. More people paying taxes and spending dollars in the city means more revenue. More revenue, in turn, means safer streets, talented city workers, and stronger infrastructure. Janesville is already a good place to live. By working together—and just as important, faster—community leaders can make it a great place to live. About Quint Studer: Quint Studer is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leadership expert dedicated to helping organizations and communities thrive. He founded Studer Group, which improved education and healthcare outcomes and earned the Malcolm Baldrige Award before its acquisition in 2015. Studer’s focus was also on community revitalization via the Studer Community Institute (SCI), which advances early brain development and leadership training. He also founded the Center for Civic Engagement. The Center brings in speakers to Pensacola on a wide range of topics aimed at educating citizens and raising civic IQ. His efforts helped revitalize Pensacola, Florida, driving significant growth and earning national recognition. He has authored 16 books, including The Busy Leader’s Handbook, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and Building a Vibrant Community, which is a blueprint for creating great places to live, work, and play. A passionate teacher and mentor, he continues to inspire leaders and communities nationwide. Faster Decision Making Can Lead to a More Vibrant Janesville By Quint Studer ADVERTORIAL A healthy city offers a mix of housing at every price point. When people can move up or down the ladder, the entire community benefits. ‘ Photo: Eduardo Lara, CivicCon Communications Director Photo: Gregg Pachowski of the Pensacola News Journal Photo: Gregg Pachowski of the Pensacola News Journal
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