Ryan Smolar is a leader in all things related to local food (e.g., food councils, markets, restaurants, crop swaps, community gardens), placemaking and community development with a focus on expanding access to healthy and affordable food, local economic development, eco-consciousness and cultural vivacity in diverse communities.
Ryan Smolar is a leader in all things related to local food (e.g., food councils, markets, restaurants, crop swaps, community gardens), placemaking and community development with a focus on expanding access to healthy and affordable food, local economic development, eco-consciousness and cultural vivacity in diverse communities.
Cities justify the expense of hosting mega events by claiming that international visibility will yield economic benefit for the city. But most mega events cause more long-term economic harm than good, unless there is a specific plan for how the event investment will solve a specific problem or improve equity in the city.
Ramon Marrades is an Urban Economist, Director of Placemaking Europe and Founder of Vigla. He has spent his career creating sustainable, equitable, and lively public spaces that prioritize the needs of people and community. He is passionate about port cities, culture, and innovation and has worked as strategic advisor to a number of cities and large-scale development projects. Marrades is based in Valencia, Spain.