A SAMPLING OF OUR WORK
Our Principal, Tom Hudson, has been engaged in domestic and international economic development since 1979. He began community-based economic development and strategic planning work in 1985. He has worked with over 100 communities, tribes, institutions and businesses in 15 states, from Hawaii to Iowa, from Texas to Montana.
LEADERSHIP
CITY OF KETCHUM
Executive Director, Ketchum Community Development Corporation
Tom created, organized and managed a six-division nonprofit for this rural resort city. He initiated successful programs in affordable housing, downtown revitalization, alternative energy, historic preservation, urban design and economic development. He also guided creation of an urban renewal district, pedestrian-oriented streets, and a new central park.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
San BERNARDINO COUNTY
Director of Land Use Services, San Bernardino County
The real key to vitality in most rural communities is helping people help themselves. Through decades of on-the-ground experience, Tom created an all-new approach to addressing this key in San Bernardino County, California, which is larger than 9 states. With a multi-discipinary planning team, he organized a system for 27 community plans and a digital community development toolkit. Guidance for residents and local organizations is provided on over seventy tools ranging from how to start a nonprofit corporation to operating a farmers market, creating community gardens, and organizing neighborhood parks. Such toolkits can be customized for local needs everywhere.
DIGITAL COMMUNITY SELF-HELP TOOLKIT INCLUSIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
KLAMATH TRIBES
Fundraising Chairman, Klamath Tribes Basket/Artifact Fund
When the largest collection in the world of Klamath Tribes basketry and other artifacts was about to be put up for auction, Tribal leaders reached out to Tom for help. To save the collection and return it home, $415,000 needed to be raised in five months. Tom took over the campaign, built a team, and together they accomplished the mission. Over 7,600 pieces of Tribal heritage were returned.
Strategic planning, team building, multi-media communications, a national outreach campaign, and a variety of marketing tools were orchestrated and managed by Tom with close assistance from his team of Tribal staff and volunteers. |
URBAN PLANNING
YESLER TERRACE
Principal-in-Charge, Planning & Economic Development, CollinsWoerman, Seattle, WA
Yesler Terrace is the oldest integrated affordable housing neighborhood in America. Tom was the project manager who helped the Seattle Housing Authority and residents reinvent the neighborhood. Together, in the midst of 26 languages, they planned a new standard for multi-cultural affordable living. Quality of life, heritage, health, safety and economic viability are interwoven in a vibrant 21st century community.
Today, vision is becoming reality. Construction of over 1,600 affordable units is underway, along with over a million square feet of retail and office mixed with open space, community gardens, active streets and more public transit access than ever. |
For more on the redevelopment of yesler terrace,
|
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
CITY OF HILO
Executive Director, Hilo Main Street Program, Hilo, Hawaii
Tom directed this award-winning community development organization, focusing on business development, downtown revitalization, marketing, business retention and recruitment. He coordinated the activities of four committees (promotion, design, organization, and economic restructuring), staff and over 40 volunteers, in two sister nonprofit corporations.
During his time with Hilo Main Street Program, Tom guided the redevelopment of nearly thirty buildings in this historic city, oversaw two redevelopment loan pools and numerous construction projects. He represented the organization in three other state associations, guided statewide downtown development and helped establish nonprofit development corporations in four other Hawaii cities. Tom worked with a multi-cultural board of directors and five major ethnic groups to foster collaboration. His program received four state awards for successes in this position, including Hawaii’s highest honors for historic preservation and tourism marketing.
During his time with Hilo Main Street Program, Tom guided the redevelopment of nearly thirty buildings in this historic city, oversaw two redevelopment loan pools and numerous construction projects. He represented the organization in three other state associations, guided statewide downtown development and helped establish nonprofit development corporations in four other Hawaii cities. Tom worked with a multi-cultural board of directors and five major ethnic groups to foster collaboration. His program received four state awards for successes in this position, including Hawaii’s highest honors for historic preservation and tourism marketing.
“You have made downtown Hilo the community center again and a very lively, wonderful place to be.” - Sig Zane, Hilo Main Street Program
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WAIMEA MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION
Executive Director, Waimea Main Street Association
Kamuela, Hawaii Tom led the creation of this nonprofit economic development organization and managed its startup, organizational development, strategic planning and first year of implementation of the plan. He managed all business activities, business retention, recruitment, promotion and community improvement projects. He organized four volunteer committees and board of directors to undertake projects and resource development. He managed activities of 40 multi-ethnic volunteers and staff. Tom also organized a sister organization, Waimea Preservation Association to focus on historic preservation activities and community marketing. It became the largest such nonprofit in the state.
|
HOW MIGHT WE HELP YOU?
If you have questions, feedback, or consulting requests, please contact The Hudson Company.
|
tom@thehudsoncompany.org
|
phone |
206.310.9222
|
address |
PO Box 937
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 |