Talking Cities With Matt Enstice

Are we living in a post-truth America? Matt and Bruce Katz, Centennial Scholar at The Brookings Institution, discuss the need for cities to adjust to a very different world after the election & Brexit; the impact of relocating anchor institutions to the downtown core; and the radical remake of federalism.

Matt talks with Janne Siren, director of the Albright-Knox, about the art gallery as a major anchor institution in Buffalo and the holistic role the arts play in elevating the community through engaging youth, partnering with other local organizations, and leveraging the latest technology.

Matt’s daughter Molly takes over the show to introduce Matt to his audience. They talk about why he created this show and his interest in the people who make cities great; how he went from working on Saturday Night Live in NYC to leading a Medical Campus in Buffalo; and who his ideal guest would be (after Molly, of course).

Matt was a recent guest on the Heron Foundation Soundbites podcast, so we thought we’d share that this week. He talks about what it means to be an investor of the Heron Foundation and what it’s meant for our organization, but more importantly how it’s helping our team and our partners to revitalize Buffalo.

Candace Johnson, CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, talks with Matt about their innovative partnership with Cuba, the surprising ease of recruiting stellar researchers & physicians to Buffalo, Roswell's role as an economic driver for the region, and why patients should be the center of the universe.

David Rust, executive director of Say Yes to Buffalo, talks with Matt about how an innovative public-private partnership has changed thousands of lives and why Buffalo is seen as a model for change.

Cheryl Heller, founder of the first master’s level program in social design at the School of Visual Arts, talks with Matt about how she helps people see what is remarkable about what they do, driving change agents at PopTech, and why people overcomplicate things.

John Fullerton, founder of the Capital Institute, reflects on the regenerative economy and the disruption of the financial system. John and Matt talk about the need to shift our mindset from reductionist thinking – focusing on the parts, the problems – to holistic thinking, to open up new opportunities.

Mark Rossi is a collaborative developer of innovative programs, tools and initiatives for integrating sustainable materials and safer chemicals into the economy. He founded BizNGO and is currently Executive Director of Clean Production Action Group.

Matt talks to Dr. Jennifer Obadia, Eastern US Regional Director for Healthcare Without Harm. They cover everything from the importance of understanding where food comes from and how it relates to job creation; the need to transform the national food system and what that means for city and state government; access to food and building an environment to makes healthy eating easy; and using food as a community-building vehicle. 

Matt talks with Darius Pridgen, pastor and elected official in Buffalo, NY, about the role of the church in transforming communities. They discuss the need for a comprehensive plan to engage families; finding elected officials not afraid to make tough decisions to lead true systems change; and where he gets his entrepreneurial inspiration.

Matt interviews Michellene Davis, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer for RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey. They talk about how growing up in Camden, NJ has shaped her both personally and professionally; ensuring youth have a “seat at the table” so that their voice is heard as communities are being revitalized; and her belief that health care institutions should be in the driver’s seat to change cities. 

Matt talks with Tony Masiello, former mayor of Buffalo, NY, about the opportunities and challenges that elected officials face in transforming cities. They discuss what led Tony to develop creative solutions to the difficult economic situation facing Buffalo during the 80s and 90s, much like many other Rust Belt cities at that time. Tony spent 35 years working in government on behalf of Western New York. He is a college Hall of Fame basketball player, drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1969. Today Tony is the president of Masiello Martucci Calabrese & Associates.

This week, Matt talks with David Gamble, architect and urban planner specializing in urban design, about the importance of bringing community and economic development together through planning and engagement. David is the principal of Gamble Associates based in Cambridge, MA, and has been a lecturer in Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design since 2009. David has spent 25 years working in urban settings and within the context of public engagement, including guiding the planning of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus since its inception in 2002. He recently published “Rebuilding the American City” with co-author Patty Heyda (Washington University).    David and Matt talk about the current trend of migration back to urban environments, the pros and cons of the role that sports can play to a city’s collective psyche, how anchor districts are relying on design of both public and private space to help attract “knowledge workers” to their campuses, and the focus on building healthier communities.