Ilana Preuss
Expert on Growing the Economies of Smaller Cities
Champion of Small-Scale Manufacturing
America’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on new business growth in communities across the nation. The key will be smaller cities – of about 250,000 people or less – where small-scale manufacturing and other forms of entrepreneurship can afford to locate and have the space to grow.
Ilana Preuss is a leading expert on growing the economies of smaller cities & neighborhoods that have been left behind, and there has never been a better time to build businesses & thriving places in those communities.
In her new book Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing (Island Press, 2021) she explains how local leaders can revitalize their downtowns by supporting small-scale manufacturing, thereby providing local business ownership opportunities and well-paying jobs.
She draws on her experience working with local governments from Knoxville, TN, to Columbia, MO, to Fremont, CA. She discusses her five-step method for recasting a city that can be used by local leaders in government, business, and real estate, as well as entrepreneurs and advocates.
She offers tools on which America’s economic recovery can be built and thrive nationwide.
"Our conference participants loved your in-depth workshop. The feedback we received from them was great - "Thank you - this was just what I was looking for - you left me wanting to act on this right away." "Ilana is an articulate, down to earth, practical, enthusiastic, encouraging and knowledgeable speaker." "Very enthusiastic. Great examples." "High energy/good content - engaged the audience to your conversation."“
Amy Jordan, Director of Education, Michigan Chapter, American Planning Association
”Ilana Preuss is an engaging, energetic speaker/educator/inspiration who was the keynote speaker for a workshop on small-scale manufacturing in Greensboro, NC. The best part of Ilana's talk is her passion. People see what is possible. I would recommend Ilana to speak at other events because her enthusiasm is infectious. Great speaker, great results.”
Sue Schwartz, Director of Planning, Greensboro, NC
“With her background in planning, smart growth, and economic development, Ilana is the ideal messenger to share the transformative potential of small scale manufacturing in communities large and small. Her message was inspiring, informative, and provided a foundation for our members to return home and explore new possibilities in their hometowns.”
Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation
