As housing and community development discussions intensify nationwide, multifamily housing professional Jeff Herter is urging local leaders, business owners, and residents to prioritize the long-term health of their neighborhoods over immediate solutions. With more than fifteen years of experience in multifamily properties, Herter argues that vibrant communities are not the product of a single project or policy but evolve through steady, 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.”
This approach aligns with research from the National Association of Realtors, which identifies neighborhood quality, access to amenities, and nearby businesses as leading factors in residential choices. Communities that invest in walkability, public spaces, and local services often attract and retain residents, contributing to sustained growth.
Herter emphasizes that successful neighborhoods are defined not only by buildings but by the people who inhabit them. “When I visit a community, I pay attention to more than the property itself,” he said. “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 also advises community leaders to adopt a patient approach to revitalization. “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.”
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show ongoing population shifts as people relocate for employment, affordability, and quality of life. These trends heighten the importance of neighborhoods that offer strong local amenities, safe public spaces, and opportunities for lasting connections.
Herter believes every community possesses strengths that can serve as a foundation for 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.”
Local businesses play a pivotal role in this process. “Small businesses are often among the first to demonstrate confidence in a community,” Herter 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.”
Ultimately, Herter advocates for steady progress over rapid change. “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.”
Residents can contribute by supporting local businesses, participating in neighborhood events, volunteering, and taking pride in their surroundings. Long-term neighborhood growth is a collective effort that yields sustained community vitality.
