How cities, developers can best work together on new retail projects

With macroeconomic factors leaving new construction at a virtual standstill, partnerships between local governments and retail real estate developers have never been more important.

That’s what experts noted at the recent ICSC New York City show during a panel titled “Winning the Deal — How Cities Are Attracting Top Retailers.” City officials and partners discussed how developers and municipalities can work together to bring new development plans to life, providing fresh retail amenities for residents that currently may be lacking.

“We found that Newark residents spend about $6 billion per year, and $2 billion of that is in other communities,” said Emily Manz, chief business development officer and director of marketing at development agency Invest Newark. ...   ...more

RSK: It would be helpful if the city thought through the process and reasoning of when and where retail is needed and not just if you put up an apartment building, you need first floor retail.