Community Coaching
Each town and every neighborhood has certain special elements that are truly defining, thus creating genuinely authentic and attractive places. Authenticity City’s community coaching process works by discerning such assets and developing game plans to help promote these untapped locally unique features. Through workshops with those directly committed to their cities and neighborhoods, we’ll discern together what makes each place distinctive, self-defining, and worth visiting. Hospitality/tourism remains one of the only guaranteed ways of bringing in outside dollars to a community, and this creative coaching process guides local leaders into a fresh, confident approach on how best to showcase their community.
“Vincent was a hit in Mulvane. ”
Property analysis
URI provides evaluation reports for bank properties, complex pre-development projects, and municipal-controlled structures, with a particular focus on historic assets. Unique properties require very specific analyses to ensure they are being maintained and utilized properly. This includes assessments of structural integrity, functional use, and systems adequacies. Depending upon individual needs, this work can be done in conjunction with structural engineers specializing in historic preservation, project appropriate architects, or experts in targeted areas of commercial property management.
keynote speaking
Vincent Gauthier weaves together connections from his redevelopment efforts, off beat travels, and good food experiences (obviously) into an engaging overview of how communities are genuinely working in the 21st Century. Ideally suited for annual meetings of civic and chamber groups, as well as collegiate settings, tourism organizations, and if desired, birthday parties. If done in conjunction with a partial day workshop, an additional speaker can also be brought in to share their wisdom. Leaders from the sports world, media, finance, and design are all available to participate.
strategic planning
From a regional perspective to the neighborhood block level, priorities must be discerned as the first step to engaging in any larger planning or design initiatives. This type of a more system-based analysis focuses on a community’s intrinsic values and often overlooked or untapped resources.This holistic perspective works to create a more vital vision of what a place can be.Such a strategic planning effort is foundational to communities impacted by changing economic conditions and demographics over the preceding decades.
Current Recommendations
(A little lagniappe!)
AUDIOBOOK/TV: “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers. Now in audiobook, this groundbreaking PBS series from 1988 is still as poignant and relevant as ever. The master storyteller shares ancient and modern mythologies from many cultures to help our understanding of how we’ve reach where we are and what may shape our future.
MOVIE: The Need to GROW. This multi-award winning documentary from Rob Herring is a real eye opener. The movie covers proven, scalable solutions to some of the most critical problems facing both rural and urban populations today.
EATS: Check out the new website www.EatsStreetKC.com for an amazing variety of victuals in Kansas City’s University District. From nationally and locally honored restaurants such as Baba’s Pantry, Wah Gwan, and Mattie’s Food, to Kansas City’s BEST ice cream joint, High Hopes, this corridor is flourishing and flavorful. Dine at old faithfuls like Niecie’s, Blackhole Bakery, and Plate or try newer neighbors such as Tiki Taco, Barbacoa, and Brady & Fox. Check out the page Dinner + Data for activities going on at the many local institutions to pair with a meal. Wherever you go, it’s all good in the neighborhood!
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“Place has energy, time has memory.” Jay Shetty
[Please click here for Select Past Recommendations]