The Power of Convening: How the Lost Spaces Conference Drives Economic Development, Affordability, and Revitalization

In cities across the country, the challenge of revitalizing underutilized spaces remains a pressing issue. From vacant lots to neglected commercial corridors, these spaces represent both a problem and an opportunity—waiting to be transformed into thriving places of economic and social vitality. The Lost Spaces Conference is not just a gathering—it is a convener of researchers, policymakers, and doers, designed to produce tangible outcomes that shape the future of equitable urban development.

Bridging Research, Policy, and Action

This year’s Lost Spaces Conference brings together key stakeholders, including small-to-mid-scale developers, municipal agencies, LINK Houston, the American Planning Association (APA), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), to forge new pathways for responsible growth. What makes this convening powerful is its unique ability to unite those who research, those who shepherd, and those who execute—ensuring that urban challenges are addressed not just in theory, but in actionable solutions.

By integrating voices from across sectors, the conference creates an environment where:
✅ Developers learn how to navigate the regulatory landscape and gain access to capital.
✅ Municipal agencies engage directly with practitioners to shape policies that facilitate growth rather than hinder it.
✅ Organizations like Houston LISC introduce funding strategies to support inclusive economic development.
✅ Planners and Urbanists from APA and ULI bring research-backed insights on sustainable, people-centered urban design.

This cross-sector dialogue fosters real collaboration, breaking down silos and ensuring that small-to-mid-scale developers—the backbone of neighborhood revitalization—have a seat at the table.

A Catalyst for Economic Development

Conferences often spark conversation, but Lost Spaces goes further—it catalyzes measurable economic impact. By equipping emerging and established developers with tools to activate underutilized spaces, the conference directly contributes to:

🔹 Job Creation – Small-to-mid-scale development projects generate employment in construction, retail, and professional services.
🔹 Local Wealth Building – Empowering neighborhood-based developers ensures that financial gains from revitalization stay within the community.
🔹 Capital Access – Partnerships with municipal agencies and Houston LISC open doors to innovative funding mechanisms, reducing barriers to entry.

Ensuring Affordability in the Revitalization Process

One of the biggest concerns in urban redevelopment is ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of affordability. Lost Spaces directly tackles this issue by:

🏡 Prioritizing Mixed-Income and Affordable Housing Solutions – With the insights of APA and ULI, developers walk away with strategies for creating housing that serves diverse income levels.
💰 Expanding Funding for Affordable Development – Houston LISC and other financial partners provide actionable pathways to non-traditional financing, grants, and public-private partnerships that make affordability possible.
📜 Policy Innovation – Conversations with municipal leaders help shape incentives and zoning strategies that balance growth with affordability.

From Talk to Action: Real Outcomes from Lost Spaces

What truly sets the Lost Spaces Conference apart is its commitment to tangible outcomes. It’s not just about discussing what needs to change—it’s about ensuring attendees walk away with clear next steps, new partnerships, and access to the resources they need to activate projects. This year we’re looking for volunteers/members, board, fund advisory/partners as well as opening of our accelerator program. All proceeds contribute to our lot activation program.

🔹 Live Case Studies & Site Visits – Attendees experience real-world examples of revitalization efforts, providing practical knowledge they can apply.
🔹 Deal-Making & Partnership Opportunities – Developers meet with financiers and policymakers to break ground on actual projects.
🔹 Post-Conference Action Plan – Each attendee leaves with a roadmap for implementing insights gained from the conference.

Join the Movement: Be Part of the Change

The Lost Spaces Conference is more than an event—it is a movement for economic inclusivity, equitable growth, and neighborhood revitalization. Whether you are a developer, policymaker, planner, or community advocate, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of change.

📍 Join us from June 6-8, 2025, and be part of the solution.
🚀 Learn more and register at www.lostspaceshtx.com.