Click below to listen to the conversation between 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck and Jon Hartman Brown — economic development director for the Town of Carrboro.

 

Welcome to “Embrace The Space!” A monthly segment presented by Trinsic Residential Group, “Embrace The Space” features conversations with experts and professionals in town planning, discussing how differing concepts — from land use and housing to transportation and beyond — all come together to create a community that works, and works for people. This month, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck was joined by Jon Hartman Brown, economic development director for the Town of Carrboro.

With over eight years worth of experience in economic development work, Brown has moved from Tennessee to Carrboro, and carried with him lessons learned and practical experience seeing how long-term decisions play out in everything from zoning codes to proposal review processes.

As in many things, clear communication is key when it comes to planning, policy and the review process, according to Brown.

“One of the big things we can do from a development policy standpoint is have very clear expectations,” said Brown. “Developers like to be able to predict when this project is going to come out of the ground … They’re taking a big risk, and understanding what the market may look like.”

With so many changes in Carrboro and the surrounding area, it can be tough to citizens, developers and officials to keep everything in line, and actively work toward meeting as many needs as possible. Development and community planning are inseparable, and a good developer works holistically.

“I think a good proposal really would be something that a developer comes in and really, clearly shows they’re meeting a need in the community,” said Brown. “Willing to, you know, be a part of the community. I think those are the best projects brcause they’re typically more long-term invested in the community and in their application review process [they] make it very clear for us to see they understand what the needs are for the community.”


“Embrace The Space” is a monthly segment presented by Trinsic Residential Group on 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com featuring conversations with experts and professionals exploring town planning, from land use to housing to transportation, and examine how so much works together to form a place where people can not only live — but thrive.

You can find more conversations like this in the “Embrace The Space” archive on Chapelboro, and each month in a special segment airing on 97.9 The Hill!