Mission-Driven Practice
Genuity is an economic development consultancy based in Buffalo, New York with an emphasis on human-centered, inclusive economic outcomes for all varieties of communities. We provide services ranging from strategic planning and implementation to project design and representation. All of our work is driven by a deep belief that prioritizing the creation of opportunity for incumbent and under-served communities is a central tenet of responsible economic development, and that relationships are at the core of sustained inclusive prosperity.
Michael DeMarco
Having worked in inclusive economic development for the past decade, Michael spent the majority of that time as the Executive Director of the 42nd Avenue Neighborhood Prosperity Network District in Portland, Oregon - one of the first community-led Tax Increment Financing Districts in the United States. Michael has significant experience implementing commercial property programs, including strategic property acquisition, adaptive building reuse, lease negotiations/analysis, tenant improvements, and property management, amongst others. He has fostered community entrepreneurship programs including small business incubators, a multicultural dance studio, and a community farmers market. In addition to building and directly managing numerous business spaces for under-served community members, Michael has assisted dozens of other entrepreneurs and small property owners to grow diverse participation in local commerce by providing property assistance services. His background working with business technical assistance providers, both traditional and non-traditional lenders, employment services, affordable housing developers, and construction professionals helps tie more closely the programmatic elements of economic development to place-based work. Most importantly, Michael holds that genuine relationship-building across differences is the most essential part of the equitable sharing of social capital, and thus economic opportunity.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Master of Arts, Community & Regional Planning
CAL POLY POMONA
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Notable Committees & Awards
Cully Tax Increment Exploration Leadership Committee
Portland Community Investment Fund - New Markets Tax Credits Advisory Committee
Portland Affordable Commercial FAR Bonus Advisory Committee
Prosper Portland Budget Advisory Committee - 2018
US Small Business Administration Portland Business District Champion 2018