{"id":15202,"date":"2025-02-13T18:42:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T18:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=15202"},"modified":"2025-02-13T18:42:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T18:42:06","slug":"revitalizing-communities-a-visionary-approach-with-boyce-safford-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/13\/revitalizing-communities-a-visionary-approach-with-boyce-safford-iii\/","title":{"rendered":"Revitalizing Communities: A Visionary Approach with Boyce Safford III"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Boyce Safford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Asia Nail<\/em>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n

Last week, Robert Smith<\/strong>, founder of the African American Legacy Project (AALP)<\/strong>, sat down for an in-depth conversation with Boyce Safford III<\/strong>, a seasoned leader in urban development, former City of Columbus director of economic development and executive director of the Columbus Next Generation Corporation (NexGen). <\/strong>Over the course of an hour, Safford shared his experiences in community revitalization, strategies for fostering public-private partnerships, and insights on how Toledo can implement similar initiatives to transform its historic neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

A Legacy of Transformation: Lessons from Columbus<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Boyce Safford has played a critical role in shaping the landscape of Columbus\u2019s urban renewal efforts, particularly in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville District<\/strong>. Once a thriving African American cultural and economic hub, the district faced severe decline over decades due to systemic disinvestment and urban planning decisions that displaced communities. Through strategic collaborations, Safford worked alongside former Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and other civic leaders to breathe new life into the area.<\/p>\n

One of the most striking aspects of Safford\u2019s work is his ability to leverage major institutions\u2014such as The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children\u2019s Hospital\u2014as active stakeholders in community revitalization. He recalled how these institutions sought city incentives, including tax abatements, and how Mayor Coleman used this as an opportunity to push for greater community engagement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe told them, \u2018If you want something from the city, you have to give back to the people,\u2019\u201d Safford explained. The result was a comprehensive development plan that included affordable housing, improved healthcare access and an education pipeline designed to introduce local youth to careers in medicine.<\/p>\n

The Power of Collaboration in Urban Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Safford emphasized that no city government can single-handedly revitalize an entire district. \u201cWe created an advisory group called PACT<\/strong>,\u201d he said, referring to a coalition of 30 community representatives who provided input on development plans. The goal was to ensure that revitalization efforts aligned with the needs of residents rather than simply serving outside developers. However, not all community leaders operated in good faith. \u201cSome people claimed to represent a constituency, but they were really using their positions to block progress,\u201d Safford noted. Over time, PACT evolved into a more effective entity, proving that inclusive planning is crucial for sustainable development.<\/p>\n

Similarly, in Cincinnati, Safford highlighted how major corporations like Fifth Third Bank played a direct role in reshaping the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. \u201cThe chairman of Procter & Gamble went to the mayor and said, \u2018If we don\u2019t clean this up, we\u2019re moving out of downtown,\u2019\u201d Boyce recalled. This pressure led to nonprofit groups purchasing property and implementing strategic redevelopment initiatives. The lesson for Toledo? Businesses and universities must recognize their stake in neighborhood revitalization and actively participate in the process.<\/p>\n

Dorr Street and Toledo\u2019s Path Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During the discussion, Safford drew compelling parallels between Columbus\u2019s King-Lincoln Bronzeville District and Toledo\u2019s historic Dorr Street. Once the economic and cultural heartbeat of Toledo\u2019s Black community, Dorr Street suffered a fate similar to King-Lincoln Bronzeville\u2014disinvestment, displacement and neglect. However, Safford sees a path forward for Toledo if local leaders, institutions, and businesses commit to a shared vision.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe University of Toledo needs to be engaged,\u201d he asserted. \u201cIf major businesses and institutions don\u2019t understand the impact of what\u2019s happening on Dorr Street, they won\u2019t be part of the solution.\u201d He stressed that revitalization efforts must be a collaborative effort, with contributions from the city, county commission, school board, business leaders, and community organizations.<\/p>\n

A crucial component of redevelopment, according to Safford, is land acquisition. In Columbus, the city has a well-established land bank <\/strong>that facilitates the transfer of abandoned and tax-delinquent properties for redevelopment. In contrast, Toledo primarily relies on a county land bank, which limits the city\u2019s ability to rapidly repurpose vacant properties. \u201cYou have to ask, \u2018Is that property behind on taxes? Who owns it? How do we get it into the hands of developers who will do the right thing?\u2019\u201d He explained.<\/p>\n

Cultural Preservation and Economic Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Beyond infrastructure, Safford underscored the importance of preserving cultural institutions as anchors for revitalization. He shared how the Lincoln Theatre\u2014a historic venue that once hosted jazz legends like Duke Ellington\u2014was nearly demolished before community leaders intervened. The city invested $13 million into restoring the theater, turning it into a performing arts hub that continues to drive economic activity today.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we pitched the idea, people said, \u2018Why do they need two theaters over there?\u2019\u201d Safford recalled. \u201cBut we knew that investing in cultural spaces was essential for long-term sustainability.\u201d He envisions a similar opportunity for Toledo, where cultural districts can serve as economic engines by attracting tourism, business investments, and local talent.<\/p>\n

He also spoke about the potential for coordinated arts and festival programming to bolster economic growth. \u201cWe need to bring together convention groups, create city-wide partnerships, and make these cultural districts self-sustaining,\u201d he suggested. A thriving arts scene, coupled with strong business participation, could transform Toledo into a model city for urban renewal.<\/p>\n

The Role of Political Will and Visionary Leadership<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When asked whether the success of Columbus\u2019s revitalization was solely due to Mayor Coleman\u2019s dedication, Safford responded with a broader perspective. \u201cYes, it was his vision, but it could have been anyone\u2019s vision,\u201d he said. He cautioned against attributing progress solely to racial representation in leadership, arguing that sustained change requires structured plans, community involvement, and unwavering commitment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city had to prove that investment in these communities made economic sense,\u201d he explained. He pointed to areas like German Village in Columbus, where revitalization efforts were driven by historical preservation and economic incentives rather than race alone. Toledo, he believes, must adopt a similar strategy\u2014demonstrating how investment in Black neighborhoods benefits the entire city.<\/p>\n

Breaking Down Barriers to Progress<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the need for authentic engagement between different sectors of the city. Safford described how community members in Columbus initially hesitated to support redevelopment efforts, fearing gentrification and displacement. \u201cThere\u2019s always going to be someone in the room saying, \u2018Whoo-wee, I don\u2019t trust this,\u2019\u201d he said with a chuckle. However, he emphasized that these fears can be mitigated through transparency, community ownership and equitable policies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

His advice for Toledo? Build strategic coalitions, secure business partnerships, and push for policy changes that empower local communities. \u201cAsk every stakeholder\u2014University of Toledo, city officials, county commissioners, school boards\u2014\u2018What are you bringing to the table?\u2019\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

Safford concluded with a powerful reminder: \u201cThis isn\u2019t just about nostalgia for what once was. It\u2019s about creating a sustainable future where history, culture and economic opportunity intersect.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Call to Action for Toledo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Boyce Safford\u2019s conversation with Robert Smith serves as both a reflection on past successes and a blueprint for Toledo\u2019s future. If the city embraces a collaborative, data-driven approach to urban renewal, it can reclaim its historic neighborhoods and set a precedent for inclusive development across the nation.<\/p>\n

To achieve this, local leaders must recognize that revitalization is not just about buildings\u2014it\u2019s about people, culture and long-term economic empowerment. Whether through land acquisition, public-private partnerships or cultural preservation, Toledo has an opportunity to redefine its urban landscape for generations to come.<\/p>\n

The question now is: Who will step up to lead the charge?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Watch the AALP Interview w\/Boyce Strafford III <\/em>here<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Asia Nail The Truth Reporter Last week, Robert Smith, founder of the African American Legacy Project (AALP), sat down for an in-depth conversation with Boyce Safford III, a seasoned leader in urban development, former City of Columbus director of economic development and executive director of the Columbus Next Generation Corporation (NexGen). Over the course […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15203,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[250,17],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[280],"class_list":["post-15202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-news","category-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15202"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15204,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15202\/revisions\/15204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15202"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=15202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}