As discussions about housing and community development intensify nationwide, multifamily housing professional Jeff Herter is advocating for a shift in focus from immediate solutions to sustainable, long-term neighborhood vitality. With over fifteen years of experience in the multifamily sector, Herter argues that thriving communities are rarely the product of a single large-scale project or policy, but rather the cumulative effect of deliberate, incremental enhancements that foster connection and resilience.
"People often look for one thing that will transform a neighborhood," Herter said. "In my experience, meaningful change usually comes from a series of smaller improvements that build on one another. It might be a local business opening its doors, a park being renovated, or homeowners investing in their properties. Those individual decisions create momentum."
His perspective aligns with research from the National Association of Realtors, which identifies neighborhood quality, access to amenities, and nearby businesses as pivotal factors in residential choices. Communities that invest in walkability, public spaces, and local services tend to attract and retain residents, a trend underscored by shifting population patterns reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Herter emphasizes that the true measure of a neighborhood lies not in its physical structures alone but in the engagement of its inhabitants. "When I visit a community, I pay attention to more than the property itself," he explained. "I notice whether local businesses are busy, whether people are spending time in parks, and whether residents seem connected to the neighborhood. Those are often signs that people believe in where they live."
He urges local leaders to adopt a patient stance toward revitalization, cautioning against the allure of rapid results. "There is a tendency to look for immediate results," Herter said. "But healthy communities usually develop over years, not months. Progress often comes from making thoughtful decisions consistently instead of trying to solve everything at once."
The role of small businesses in this process is particularly significant. Herter notes that entrepreneurs often serve as early indicators of confidence in a community. "Small businesses are often among the first to demonstrate confidence in a community," he said. "When entrepreneurs choose to open a restaurant, a coffee shop, or another local business, they are making a long-term commitment to that neighborhood. Those investments help create places where people gather and build relationships."
Herter believes that every community possesses inherent strengths that can anchor future growth. "I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on what needs to be fixed," he said. "Every neighborhood has something worth building on. When communities recognize those strengths and continue investing in them, they create places where people want to stay."
Rather than measuring success by the pace of change, Herter advocates for steady, sustainable progress. "The strongest neighborhoods I've visited weren't necessarily the newest or the most expensive," he said. "They were places where people cared about their community and continued making small improvements year after year. That's what creates lasting success."
Herter encourages residents to play an active role in their communities by supporting local businesses, participating in neighborhood events, volunteering with community organizations, and taking pride in their surroundings. He underscores that long-term neighborhood growth is a collective endeavor, requiring contributions from many individuals over time.
