A Profile of Erin Keller –
What it takes to revitalize a downtown area

So much of this work is intuitive, being able to articulate a vision and reason for different strategies we might do. In terms of support, this staff is great. We work very collaboratively. So part of all of our success is the power of team. In meetings, Josh told us we could solve any problem with the people around this table. And we believe that to this day.

It might take us a little longer since he’s not next to us, but that is the culture that he built. And so the support or tools always seem to come from this office, or from external regional and national resources that actually have advanced our work, accelerated our work. Between that and our other philanthropic support systems, we’ve had the resources to do creative solutions and problem-solving tactics that are mission critical to getting us to our vision and mission.

It’s hard for some people to believe that we’re truly altruistic. I understand that that’s the world that we live in, but sometimes people think the things that we implement or are advocates for automatically are things to pad NewTown’s pockets. Economic development is not something that is easily understood by the general public. People’s perception is their reality, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively, and give a reason why we’re doing what we’re doing.

Macon is a tale of two cities, depending upon your ZIP code, which affects your health expectancy, your education and your wages. So I can understand how a shining downtown does not resonate with many people. But when you’re trying to have those conversations with people, that’s hard. That’s really hard, because sometimes it’s just not going to click.

In terms of strategic partnerships, I lean on the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority and Alex Morrison — he’s the executive director there. We’re doing some of the same work, but we’re on the private side. And so instead of competition, it’s become more collaborative. They are integral to NewTown’s success because a lot of what we’re doing is the right hand and left hand. That partnership is invaluable.

And in terms of the personal, I really rely on my co-workers a lot. Staff meetings are great for us to find solutions. Whenever I have an issue, I might go to different people depending upon what it is, but working with this type of team that is collaborative, fairly altruistic and passionate about what we do, it’s an anomaly among workplaces. I’m so thankful for it, because it really just makes it more enjoyable to come to work. Having the support of the people alongside you every day — that’s a blessing beyond measure.

There was one instance with one of the board members, it was in a meeting setting. It was getting out of hand, and I could not reel it back in. And I just stopped talking, which is very hard for me to do. Was that the most professional? Absolutely not. And then they would ask me a question, and I didn’t have anything to say.

I learned a lot about myself then. One thing was emotional regulation. I probably should have left and come back to regroup, to be productive, as opposed to trying to solve it like a child. And also being able to make a phone call, admit when you’re wrong, and then figuring out how we’re going to move forward to communicate better.

I think we learned a lot about each other, but that was definitely a humbling experience, and also taught me a lot. It comes easier to me now, after many years, but in the beginning, it was rough, but it was a good lesson.

I’m a verbal processor, and thank God that my colleagues are also verbal processors. And then also just taking a beat, processing, but then also having a moment. So some yoga helps. Just trying to remind myself not to be so reactive, because it can get a little overwhelming.

We’re doing a lot of good stuff, and there are a lot of plates spinning in the air, but I think just being able to sometimes take a walk downtown and remember what this used to be and give myself a second to dream what it could be again. When I have some tough days, I watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Start with Why.” It’s very good, just to ground yourself and think that ‘that is a moment; it won’t last forever.’

Knowing your why brings you back to the work that we’re doing and the vision we have and staying true to the mission. And at some point, you have to cut out the noise.

“Happy City” by Charles Montgomery. It’s really about the intersection of happiness and urban design. And it gives you case studies of different cities that have planned differently. Especially for Americans, we don’t get enough exercise. We’re in cars all day, and what tends to make people happiest in a community is social trust. I think that is very true of the downtown community. I think that they’re not perfect, but I think generally people are very trusting, and so people enjoy living and working here and socializing here.

In suburbia, we’re less likely to get to know each other when our houses are far apart, with long driveways from the road and a lack of sidewalks, or because you have to drive everywhere. If you live downtown, though, you’re more likely to walk places, smile at people on the street, things of that nature. So I felt like that was a really good foundation for the type of community that I would like to live in. Working at NewTown has taught me the importance of not just living in a community, but being part of a community.