As housing and community development discussions intensify nationwide, multifamily housing professional Jeff Herter is calling on local leaders, business owners, and residents to prioritize long-term neighborhood health over immediate solutions. With over fifteen years of experience in the multifamily sector, Herter argues that thriving communities are not the result of a single transformative project but are built through a series of incremental, consistent improvements that enhance connectivity 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 perspective aligns with research from the National Association of Realtors, which identifies neighborhood quality, access to amenities, and nearby businesses as primary factors in residential choices. Communities that invest in walkability, public spaces, and local services often become more attractive to both current and future residents, according to the association.
Herter stresses that successful neighborhoods are defined by both physical structures and the people within 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 indicates that population shifts due to employment, affordability, and quality of life continue to reshape communities. These trends heighten the need for neighborhoods that offer strong amenities, safe public spaces, and opportunities for lasting connections among residents.
Herter believes every community has existing strengths to build upon. “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 noted. “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 cautions against measuring success by rapid change, advocating instead 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.”
To foster long-term growth, Herter encourages residents to support local businesses, participate in neighborhood events, volunteer with community organizations, and take pride in their surroundings. He emphasizes that neighborhood development is a collective effort, requiring contributions from many individuals over time.
