Wichita, Kan. - 10/16/2014 - The Fuel the Fire Speaker Series concludes with Brad Segal, President of Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

The Fuel the Fire Speaker Series is designed to engage the Wichita community in conversations revolving around national trends and how to competitively position Wichita for the future. The Wichita Community Foundation, Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, and the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce have partnered to make this series possible. All keynotes are held at The LUX (120 E. 1st St. N.). They are free and open to the public.

Segal is one of the nation's leading authorities on downtown trends and issues. His consulting firm, P.U.M.A., is dedicated to advancing downtowns and community development by creating and sustaining thriving places. Recently, P.U.M.A. received the 2014 President’s Award from the International Downtown Association, for their work in producing and sharing their “Top 10 Global Trends Affecting Downtowns Report.” Prior to establishing P.U.M.A., Segal designed and managed economic development programs as senior director of the Downtown Denver Partnership.

With over 30 years of downtown management and community development experience, Segal has played a key role
in the development of downtowns across the nation, including Downtown Wichita.

In 2000-2001, Segal helped guide the creation of the Downtown Wichita Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). Since Segal’s work, the WDDC has been the private sector entity responsible for cultivating investment in Downtown. Since it’s creation, Downtown has witnessed approximately a billion dollars in investment. 

As the American economy recovers to a post-recession growth cycle, cities across the country are seeing a resurgence of urban centers. Segal will speak about how national trends in demographics, lifestyles, and global competition are converging and affecting these urban centers and what that means for Downtown Wichita and the South Central Kansas region as we look towards the future.

“With the resurgence of downtowns across the nation, being aware of national trends is vital information we must
have if we are to effectively track and plan for future growth. Brad will provide invaluable insight into these trends,
how they will affect our City, and why they are important to growing our economy," said WDDC President Jeff Fluhr.

For additional details, and to RSVP, visit FueltheFireSpeakerSeries.com.

# # #