Events
Overview: Unwelcome graffiti can significantly affect the perceptions of cleanliness and safety in a district. Questions surrounding who is physically responsible and economically liable for removal can cause confusion among urban place leaders, business owners and local government officials. This session will explore how three graffiti removal programs were established and maintained to positively impact their district. Hear from experienced panelists who have refocused their efforts towards new public art programs and successfully changed the narrative surrounding graffiti in their district.
October 30, 2020 | 11:15am ET (8:15am PT)
Domain: Public Space Management and Operations
Pricing: IDA Members: Free | Nonmembers: $40
Advancing Places is an online series aimed at empowering IDA members with the solutions needed to address the most critical urban issues of the day. This session will include a moderated Q&A and will be recorded for member and nonmember use in the future.
Speakers:
- Jeff Bray, Executive Director, Downtown Victoria Business Association (Victoria, BC)
- Amy Geren, Program Director, Portland Downtown (Portland, ME)
- Paul MacKinnon, CEO, Downtown Halifax Business Commission (Halifax, NS)
Moderator:
- David Downey, President & CEO, International Downtown Association
Speakers
Jeff Bray
Executive Director, Downtown Victoria Business Association (Victoria, BC)
Jeff Bray grew up in Vancouver, BC. After graduating from UBC, Bray embarked on a 13-year career with the British Columbia Government. In 2001, Bray was elected the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. For eight years Jeff was the Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Shaw in BC. Jeff is currently the Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Jeff is Co-Chair (along with the Victoria Mayor) for The Coalition to End Homelessness, President of the Former MLA Association of BC, Vice-Chair of the Royal BC Museum Foundation, Vice-President of the North Quadra Community Association.
Amy Geren
Program Director, Portland Downtown (Portland, ME)
Amy Geren has analytic, statistical and evaluative experience in local government, nonprofit, and private business. Through her work with Portland Downtown, Amy develops, manages and evaluates programs in support of the Downtown Improvement District’s clean and safe initiatives. She serves on numerous municipal and organizational committees, and is a board member of the Portland 2030 District. Amy holds a Master’s Degree of Community Planning and Development from the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service.
Paul MacKinnon
CEO, Downtown Halifax Business Commission (Halifax, NS)
Paul MacKinnon has been the CEO of Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) since 2002. DHBC focuses on advocacy, beautification, marketing and communication, and membership engagement for 1600 member businesses in Eastern Canada’s largest city. He is also currently serving as the President of Downtowns Atlantic Canada, was previously a board member of the International Downtown Association (2006-2012), and is a member of the IDA Canada leadership group.
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Questions?
For registration assistance or further information, please contact IDA’s registration team.
