Philip Ayles’ Post

Honoring a Legacy: Phil Herr, a Pioneer in Community Planning Today, we remember and honor Phillip B. Herr, a remarkable individual whose contributions to community planning and historic preservation have left an indelible mark. Phil was more than a mentor and colleague; he was a visionary who believed in the power of citizen-driven planning to create sustainable, vibrant communities. From his insightful “Herrisms” to his unwavering commitment to preserving cherished places, Phil’s work inspired countless professionals, including myself. Whether through his books, like The Art of Swamp Yankee Planning, or his engaging workshops at Harvard and MIT, Phil embodied the belief that effective planning is as much about art and connection as it is about science. In our latest blog post, we pay tribute to Phil’s legacy and explore the ten timeless "Herrisms" that continue to guide our work at the Community Matters Institute. These principles, rooted in collaboration, creativity, and inclusion, remain as relevant today as ever. As we reflect on Phil’s contributions, we’d love to hear from you: 💬 What principles guide your work in community planning or preservation? Let’s continue the conversation and carry forward the legacy of those who have paved the way. 👉 Read the full tribute and discover Phil Herr’s enduring wisdom: https://lnkd.in/gfzEmMgw #CommunityPlanning #HistoricPreservation #Leadership #Inspiration

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

Earlier this week, Shakespeare Martineau played host to a thought-provoking #roundtable and workshop discussion on the delivery of #affordable and #socialhousing. This timely event, facilitated by myself and TIN Ventures, brought together industry #leaders to explore the multifaceted #challenges facing the #housingsector. Our discourse centred on how the provision and delivery of #affordablehousing can be #reimagined to meet the diverse and evolving needs of #Midlands #residents. Aligning with Shakespeare Martineau’s commitment and support towards the creation of #vibrantplaces, we delved into #strategies that not only address housing requirements,but also contribute to the broader societal goals of #sustainability, #economicdevelopment, and #community #wellbeing. May I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our attendees for their invaluable contributions, and to Alex Cole for skilfully guiding the conversation. The discussion yielded powerful #insights that promise to shape the future of #socialhousing in the #westmidlands region. In the coming weeks, we'll be distilling these groundbreaking ideas into a comprehensive #report. This document will offer a #roadmap for #innovation in the social housing sector, highlighting key #opportunities and potential #solutions to longstanding #challenges. To secure your copy of this eagerly anticipated report, please reach out to express your interest. I’ll look forward to sharing our findings and continuing this crucial dialogue with stakeholders across the housing industry and beyond. Shakespeare Martineau Louise Drew Neil Gosling Alex Cole Emma Houghton Audrey Holden Michael Cracknell, FCIM Birmingham City Council West Midlands Combined Authority Centre for the New Midlands Richard Parker Lucy Caldicott Sharon Thompson, JP Henry Carpenter Marrons Simon Mark Joe Daniel Dav Leo Jon Liz Andras Jayne Michael Sachin Mike Tani Simon Anita Natalie Luke Stephen Goldstein CBE #shmalaw #affordablehousing #socialhousing #development #socialimpact #economicgrowth #midlands #socialvalue #birmingham #birminghambusiness

small business loans application is now open

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership illustrates the important role parks and recreation can fill in a community and how they can help combat the loneliness epidemic. Get more local government insights at #PublicCEO bit.ly/4a8iJ3l

These past two years have been amazing - full of personal and professional growth, amazing partners and new relationships, and working with an all-star team! I can't wait to see what the next two years bring for Creating Community Consulting! #organizationalculture #communitydriven #collaboration #communitygrowth

Council buildings for community decision-making, including Senate, assembly, synagogue, and Greek bouleuterion, hold usually no more than five hundred participants. The personal interaction between them is of the utmost concern. They often have galleries for observer seating. 📍Philadelphia City Hall, Pennsylvania pg. 189, The Art of Classic Planning #councilbuildings #philadelphia #classicplanning #traditionalarchitecture

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.

Check out my #GRADImpact interview below!

🌟 Highlighting the Community 🌟 Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a remarkable historical treasure with contemporary conveniences that cater to all family members! Discover our insights on the housing market in Fredericksburg in our most recent blog entry. https://buff.ly/3zf1jpm #fredericksburgVA #fredericksburgrealestate #virginiarealestate #realestatedevelopment #realestateblog