Joanna Lee-Mills’ Post

Today, I want to highlight the power of community success in negotiations. Far too often, we view negotiation as a solitary endeavor—a battle of wills between individuals. But some of the most impactful negotiations are woven from the threads of collective effort, diverse perspectives, and shared goals. Take Project Phoenix, a small community initiative aimed at revitalizing our local park. This wasn't about a single voice leading the charge; it was a symphony of community members—neighbors, local businesses, and civic leaders—each bringing their own strengths to the table. 1️⃣ **Diverse Perspectives:** The variety of voices meant that all community needs were considered. Kids wanted playgrounds, seniors desired walking paths, and local artists envisioned spaces for public art. By collectively negotiating with the city council, we achieved a design that catered to everyone. 2️⃣ **Shared Vision:** The foundation of our success was a clear, united vision. Every negotiation step was rooted in the shared goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive space. This unity made our proposals compelling and hard to dismiss. 3️⃣ **Mobilizing Resources:** Local businesses contributed funds, volunteers offered their time, and a coordinated campaign swamped social media with our mission. This collective effort provided the leverage needed to secure additional funding and support from municipal authorities. 4️⃣ **Resilience and Adaptability:** When initial negotiations hit a snag, the community rallied. Alternate plans were devised, showing city officials our flexibility and determination. This persistence paid off, demonstrating our project's viability and our commitment. In the end, the new Phoenix Park stands not just as a testament to successful negotiation but as a symbol of what a united community can achieve. It reminds us that negotiation isn’t merely about individual success; it’s about building a better environment for everyone involved. So next time you’re gearing up for a negotiation, remember: your strength can be amplified by the community around you. Harness that collective power, and you might just achieve something remarkable. #CommunitySuccess #Negotiation #Leadership #CollectivePower #SuccessStories #Teamwork #Strategy #Resilience

Warrior to Love: Show-Up I recently had an inspiring meeting with Councilman Michael Boylan from Jacksonville City Council District 6. It reminded me of the power of community engagement and the importance of taking action to drive change. Years ago, I considered a political career, but my wife and I decided it wasn't the right path for us. Instead, I focused on connecting with our local representatives, believing that true change starts with us. During our conversation, we discussed the book "A Quiet Revolution," which explores the history of Jacksonville's consolidation. Jacksonville Historical Society Both Councilman Boylan and I share a passion for history and a vision for progress in our city. We reflected on the challenges and the numerous failed attempts to unite and advance Jacksonville over the years. One of the biggest questions remains: how do you unite a community divided in the largest city by land mass in the USA? While I am still working on the answer, I know that getting involved and building relationships is a significant step forward. As a private citizen, I've had the privilege of connecting with some of the best professionals and actively participating in our community. My passion lies in solving problems and fostering resilience in relationships. Nothing happens unless you make it happen. It takes everyone to participate in creating and sustaining livable communities. Everything starts with you! Let's take action, show up, and work together to make City of Jacksonville the best place to live on earth. #CommunityEngagement #LocalLeadership #Jacksonville #WarriorToLove #ShowUp #Inspiration #TakeAction

The good momentum and growth along Howard Street (both on the north side in #Evanston and the south side in #Chicago) is due in part to smart city planning and collaborative economic development.

This is what it's all about! Entrepreneurs like Julia Perkins and Studio Yogi, a project supported by the Corporate Connector, are bringing the change they want to see to their communities. With leadership like Julia and Tonya Trice, South Shore's future keeps shining brighter. Entrepreneurs and developers like Julia and Tonya need more equitable access to capital to buy the real estate and bring in the resources they and the community wants to see. Employers can also bring jobs to these neighborhoods as there are options for Class A space in Chicago's South and West side. Come talk to us about our Invest Together initiative to learn more. These catalytic developments are crucial to creating a more equitable Chicago and region - they create jobs, neighborhood amenities, economic mobility, and more. If you haven't already - go visit our friends on 71st street! #Onward #SouthShore #Development #CommunityDevelopment #InclusiveDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #Partnership #BusinessUNusual #MoveTheNeedle #AccessToCapital #Equity #Diversity #Access #Inclusion #Chicago #BeTheChange

This week #StrongCities will be sharing highlights from our #USMayoralRetreat in #Pittsburgh 🇺🇸. Mayors, officials and civil society organisations from almost 20 #US cities engaged on how cities can Put Communities First: Mayoral & City Leadership Against Hate, Extremism & Polarisation. Co-hosted by the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and with the Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, the National League of Cities and the Muhammad Ali Center, the #USRetreat provided a timely platform for city leaders & stakeholders to exchange concrete approaches & innovations for maintaining social cohesion amid rising hate. ◾ We heard from #Pittsburgh stakeholders who contributed to the 2018 Tree of Life response, including officials from #CityHall who underscored the importance of “listening to each other, learning from each other” and “fostering confidence to bring people together”. ◾ We also heard from the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, the LIGHT Education Initiative, the JCC Pittsburgh and the #TreeOfLifeInc on how crucial it was for then Mayor William Peduto and others to “show up & be there for communities” and in so doing “redefined and transformed the moment” from one of “victim of hate to resilience”. ◾ We learned how Pittsburgh’s private sector, including UPMC, The Andy Warhol Museum and the public-private sector Allegheny Conference on Community Development, continues to provide support and create spaces for Pittsburgh residents and communities to have difficult conversations. ◾ The city’s sports teams – Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers etc – shared how they helped #Pittsburgh return to normality under a banner of “Stronger Than Hate” & how the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation continues to invest in the city’s youth, wellness, community and education. Day 1 also officially launched Strong Cities’ new #NorthAmericaRegionalHub, which will work with cities of all sizes and contexts across #Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 to catalyse city-led prevention in response to today’s heightened threat environment. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4csC6Fr. Stay tuned this week for more highlights from our #USMayoralRetreat in #Pittsburgh and the launch of the North America Regional Hub! #StrongerTogether #StrongerThanHate

Tune into this insightful conversation with Dan Immergluck and Shawn Duncan 🎧

I can't even describe how transformative it was hearing from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter today at MYALP. His people-centered approach to city leadership is so refreshing and inspiring. Some of my favorite takeaways from his speech: -He explained that doing something as simple as removing all library fines increased traffic to local libraries, and books are far less likely to be returned late. Sometimes it takes stepping away from a problem to look at it objectively - Why would we ever fine the people who are checking books out from the library in the first place? People with fines then avoid the library... How is that productive in serving St. Paul citizens? Answer: It's not. -We must remember that downtowns are no longer a place of obligation where everyone has to go for work or so on; they are now a place of choice. Therefore, we must investment in our downtowns. -The next time you are having conflict with someone, ask them, "Tell me more about that. And then, I have some questions." Trust builds when people feel listened to. Show people you trust them, and they will trust you. -If there is change you want to see in your city, it's because people like you haven't lead it there.

"We want to be the city where you don’t have to choose between economic prosperity and housing affordability.” As many cities grapple with housing issues, at our Housing Innovation Summit we experienced first hand that the City of Denver and the State of Colorado are taking bold approaches to prioritize increasing supply and ensuring equitable access. Here are some key takeaways from our fireside session with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston + Santhosh Ramdoos of Gary Community Ventures: ✔ Continue actions to reform permitting and zoning processes, with a goal of 30% reduction in permitting time by year end. ✔ Create pathways & financing structures to streamline supply & standup units quickly, while working with residents to demonstrate the broader benefits increasing household count in their neighborhoods ✔ Maintain focus on a strategy to promote private sector support in developing both market-rate & affordable units ✔ Lead Affordable Denver through a citywide goal to permit, secure, finance or support development and preservation of 5,000 long term affordable housing units annually Mayor Johnston envisions a future with a mix of affordable & market-rate housing throughout the city, fostering a city that remains economically vibrant while ensuring a spectrum of housing solutions for its residents to thrive. Watch his session to learn more about that vision. https://lnkd.in/gRPDFJh4

A key focus of Flemington Works is to understand and disrupt the conditions that hold social and economic inequality in place. One such condition is power. To inform our work, we have used this beautiful Far West Community Partnerships model. In practice, when designing and delivering our recent workshop series, this meant doing pre work with service providers and funding and policy partners, demonstrating humility, delivering sessions with Community Advisors in advance of workshops to ensure they felt comfortable and confident with the proposed content and process, establishing an agreed way of working together, curating spaces and seating, using a paid participation model, and ensuring table facilitators had a connection to Community. What efforts have you used to help shift power when working collaboratively?

What Insights Can We Gain to Revolutionize Housing in the Triangle from the Caitlin Clark phenomenon? As we ponder this Thursday, let’s consider the dynamic evolution of housing in the Triangle. This lively area, celebrated for its rich heritage and thriving economy, has experienced significant transformations over the years. From charming farms, textile and furniture industries, to contemporary living spaces, the Triangle consistently adapts to the needs of its residents, reflecting the spirit of versatility and mastery. Our businesses, recreational areas, sports, and so much more have embraced this growth. Athletes like Caitlin Clark, who have excelled on the basketball court and are now making strides in golf, exemplify how influence extends beyond a specific trait. Her journey underscores the increasing impact of female influence in the business world, contributing to a diverse, multicultural environment. In addition to inspiring narratives like Caitlin's, North Carolina stands out as an ideal destination for relocation. With world-renowned golf courses, ranging from Pinehurst to the Dormie Club, residents can enjoy premier golfing experiences against picturesque backdrops, making it a golfer's paradise. The Caitlin Effect: - Embrace Transformation: Just as housing in the Triangle has evolved, we too should be open to new perspectives and innovative methods in our lives. - Cultivate Diverse Skills: The adaptability demonstrated by women like Caitlin highlights the importance of recognizing diverse market demands and creative solutions in housing. - Foster Community Engagement: The focus on community support reflects the heart of the Triangle, where diversity and connection among residents truly make it thrive. As we honor these accomplishments and the progression of our neighborhoods, let’s reflect: How can we drive change in our communities, particularly in housing? Are we cultivating environments that encourage growth and innovation for all? Join the discussion! 🏡✨ What changes do you anticipate for housing in the Triangle, and how can we take inspiration from these experiences to turn those visions into reality? #Golf ⛳ #Basketball 🏀 #WMBA #NewHomes #Housing 🏘️ #Evolution #RRAR #Doorify #MLS #ThrowbackThursday #Buying #Selling #Community #WomenInBusiness #Leaders #CaitlinClark #NorthCarolina