Welcome Dear Listeners…
…to the launch of a new season of the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, where we get to share with you our learnings and networks of innovative change makers leading the charge in revitalizing urban and city spaces, increasing vibrancy across the United States.
Join co-hosts, Emily Craven and Tim Souza weekly to learn, be inspired and ponder new ways we can utilize our cities to build a more connected, inspired and culturally thriving future for all.
We’re are off to our second city of the season with an enlightening interview featuring Will Gregory, chair of the NTDF board in Kansas City, and Elliott Scott, a key figure in Kansas City’s Sports Commission. Will shares his journey growing up in Kansas City, highlighting the transformative changes the city has undergone. Discover how Kansas City evolved from a “flyover city” to a nationally recognized hub, celebrated for its incredible sports teams, artists, chefs, and designers.
Learn about the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund (NTDF), a unique funding mechanism that promotes city vibrancy and revitalization through community events. Will explains how NTDF supports diverse initiatives, from small neighborhood events to large citywide festivals, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment that benefits both locals and tourists.
Elliott Scott further enriches the discussion by exploring the pivotal role of sports in Kansas City’s resurgence. He discusses how sports events and teams have propelled Kansas City into the national spotlight, driving economic growth and fostering community pride.
Plug in those headphones and join us as we explore how Kansas City is setting an inspiring example of urban revitalization and community building. Tune in to Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces to hear firsthand how city innovators are tackling the vibrancy challenge and creating a brighter future for all.
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Show Notes
Learn more about Story City and how we work with partners here.
PDF transcript of this Episode is here.
You can subscribe to the Podcast via our YouTube channel here, or via our main Podcast page here where you can also find our other episodes and seasons.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Our Guests on Today’s Pod:
Will has over 25 years of outstanding on-the-job industry experience including: Manager of Events and Marketing – Downtown St. Louis Partnership, Community Relations Manager – The Kansas City Public Library System, Public Affairs Manager and Senior Writer – The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. And now as founder of his own firm representing retail, restaurant and hospitality clients throughout the region. Will also provides pro-bono consulting to numerous not-for-for-profit initiatives and currently serves on the Board of KCPT (KCPBS) as well as Board Chair for Kansas City’s Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. He holds a degree in English from the University of Missouri.
Elliott is a graduate of University Missouri-Kansas City where he received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. He also has a Master of Professional Studies, Strategic Public Relations degree from George Washington University.
In his free time, Elliott leverages his marketing and communications experience on behalf of nonprofit organizations and causes such as WaterFire KC, Kemper Gala, American Cancer Society’s annual gala and Bloom Party. He also writes a running and wellness column, called “Runner’s High”, in The Pitch. You’ll often find Elliott running throughout Kansas City and training for marathons and the occasional ultramarathon.
Elliott currently serves as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Kansas City Sports Commission (KCSC) where he leads editorial strategy and outreach for KCSC and WIN for KC.
About your hosts:
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
