Southbank Partners Company Profile

Background

Southbank Partners is a nonprofit regional economic development organization dedicated to enhancing the urban core of Northern Kentucky. Serving cities along the Ohio River—including Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, and Silver Grove—the organization has been instrumental in promoting economic growth and revitalization for over 25 years. Its mission focuses on creating connected communities, vibrant riverfronts, and resilient downtowns by facilitating collaboration, bringing vision to reality, and providing a unified voice for its partner cities.

Key Strategic Focus

Southbank Partners' strategic initiatives are guided by its five-year plan, "Innovate 2028: Transforming Urban Communities," which builds upon the previous "Imagination 2020" plan. The core objectives include:

Transportation & Infrastructure: Enhancing multi-modal connectivity through projects like the expansion of Riverfront Commons into a 20-mile multi-use trail and the development of the U.S. 27 Smart Corridor, a six-mile corridor piloting innovative technology to improve safety and economic competitiveness.

Vibrancy & Placemaking: Embracing technology to create smart cities and communities, promoting green spaces, and activating underutilized areas to reflect the unique identity of each community.

Entrepreneurship & Small Business: Cultivating a supportive ecosystem for small businesses through the NKY Scale-Up Ecosystem, encouraging investment, and connecting entrepreneurs with essential resources.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit organization, Southbank Partners primarily relies on public and private funding sources, including grants, donations, and partnerships with local governments and businesses. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is utilized to support various development projects, infrastructure improvements, and community initiatives aimed at revitalizing the urban core of Northern Kentucky.

Pipeline Development

Southbank Partners oversees several key projects:

Riverfront Commons: A 20-mile multi-use trail connecting communities along the Ohio River, with ongoing phases to complete the full trail.

U.S. 27 Smart Corridor: A six-mile corridor implementing innovative technology to enhance safety and economic competitiveness, with development underway.

Scale-Up Ecosystem: An initiative to support small businesses through resources and connections, with ongoing development to foster entrepreneurship in the region.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Southbank Partners leverages several technological platforms and innovative approaches:

Proprietary Technologies: Utilizes advanced planning and design tools for urban development projects, though specific technologies are not publicly detailed.

Significant Scientific Methods: Employs data-driven methodologies for urban planning, including GIS mapping and environmental impact assessments, to inform decision-making processes.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Southbank Partners includes:

Will Weber: President & CEO. With a background in economics from Northern Kentucky University, Weber has been instrumental in leading the organization's initiatives, including the Riverfront Commons project.

Joyce McMullin: Executive Assistant & Office Manager. McMullin supports the organization's operations and strategic initiatives, contributing to the efficient functioning of Southbank Partners.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

The market for regional economic development organizations is characterized by a focus on urban revitalization, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Key trends include increased public-private partnerships, emphasis on sustainable development, and the integration of technology in urban planning.

Southbank Partners operates in a collaborative environment with other regional development organizations. While direct competitors are not explicitly identified, similar organizations in the region include:

Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED): Focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion in Northern Kentucky.

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber: Aims to advance the economic interests of the Cincinnati region, including parts of Northern Kentucky.

These organizations share similar goals but often focus on different aspects of economic development, such as business attraction or regional advocacy.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Southbank Partners collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its objectives:

Local Governments: Works closely with city officials and departments to implement development projects and infrastructure improvements.

Business Community: Engages with local businesses to support economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Regional Organizations: Partners with entities like the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber to align efforts and resources.

Operational Insights

Southbank Partners differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach to urban revitalization, focusing on transportation, infrastructure, vibrancy, placemaking, and entrepreneurship. Its collaborative model, involving multiple cities and stakeholders, enables a unified strategy for regional development.