“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Jared Beck – City of Homestead CRA
FRA Board of Directors
Q: What is your best business advice for a new FRA member?
Jared: Understand that redevelopment is far more gray than black and white. Invest your time in attending conference sessions, enrolling in the Academy program, getting to know senior practitioners, and becoming familiar with the resources available through the FRA website. This investment of time will give you the foundational knowledge and support you need as you navigate this work.
Q. If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Jared: I wish I had many, but if I could choose only one, it would be the power of persuasion. This work is tough, and building the support we need isn’t always easy, whether it’s encouraging business participation in a program or securing political support for a new project.
Q. We are going out for dinner / entertainment in your CRA District. Where are we going and why?
Jared: One of our strengths is the variety of local, independent restaurants throughout Downtown – there are so many great options that it’s hard to pick just one! For entertainment, though, I’d choose the historic Seminole Theatre. It has a rich history in Dade County and has evolved into a cultural anchor for South Dade. Catching a show or performance there is a must-do experience.
Q. What do you hope to be remembered for?
Jared: I don’t necessarily need to be remembered personally. What I hope is that the work I’ve done over the years, and in many communities, continues to have impact. I’d like people, even decades from now, to understand that the progress they enjoy didn’t just happen on its own and shouldn’t be taken for granted. It came from people who really cared and worked hard for positive change.
Q. What is the most exciting part of being in redevelopment?
Jared: It’s seeing the “wins”, especially the ones that don’t come easily. A restaurant that began as an idea, struggled at first, and then flourished. A retail store that expands or even grows into a chain. People walking down the street smiling at what they’re seeing and experiencing. Witnessing the results of our work is what makes this job exciting, and what keeps me motivated.
#redevelopmentworks