1 min read

A Profile of Kimberly Beckett –
 How small steps can create lasting change downtown

Published Sep 16, 2026
By
Knight Foundation
Photo credit: Daniel Ribar

Overview

Kimberly Beckett is the president and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP). The Akron organization promotes a more vibrant city center by supporting the downtown community and developing new programs to generate interest and attract more people to live, work and play in downtown Akron.

DAP brings together property owners, business leaders, government officials, residents and stakeholders to make downtown the civic heart of Akron.

Q&A

When you’re starting something like this, what’s the very first thing you have to do? Where does it all begin?

I start with research. What is in place, what has worked well, what are the challenges, what are the perceptions, what are the opportunities, and what does the community want? Once I understand the landscape, then I always start from a place of collaboration and inclusion. Understanding who should be at the table to review the past successes and challenges, and who should help shape the best process and outcomes is essential to a final product that the community will embrace and support.

What tools, skills, or supports do you absolutely rely on to make this work possible?

It is all about communication. How to communicate your process, goals and successes. How to communicate the mission and why it is important to the community. Having the diverse communication skills to share the message with diverse communities is essential.

Different stakeholders need different approaches to communication. And understanding the cadence of communication that’s needed is important. Even if you think you are saying the same things over and over again, there are always stakeholders that haven’t heard the message or need to be reminded of the goals and outcomes.

What’s the toughest part of this work — the thing that demands the most from you mentally or logistically?

Economic development projects do not happen quickly. They require a lot of planning, relationship building, time and financial resources. Sometimes this can be difficult as there is an expectation that things should happen quicker than they do. But having the dedication, determination, patience to develop the planning, relationships and financials to see things through is important. Also, small steps added together can make great progress. This is key to making steady progress and change in a neighborhood or city.

Who do you lean on? How did you build the team or partnerships that make this real?

We are better together. I have learned this from many mentors in my journey. I’m inspired by people who lead by example, through servant leadership, and who are always bringing others to the table and setting them up for success. Having the opportunity to lead and do the same is important to me.  Having a group of people who are willing to show up for each other and do what it takes to get things done builds trust and a track record of success that allows the team to build a portfolio of small and eventually large wins that add up to meaningful change.

What’s one mistake or failure that taught you something essential?

Failures and mistakes are opportunities to learn. Every day isn’t going to be your day. What is gained is learning to look back at what happened and make changes to improve the next step of the journey. In our work in creative placemaking and economic development, we talk a lot about testing and failing, and failing quickly and failing forward. Do something, learn your lessons, adjust and move on. Additionally, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the value of your words. Your words can make or break a relationship, a project, a situation. Be thoughtful, authentic and sincere, and you will build the relationships needed to be successful.

What helps you keep perspective or stay grounded when the work gets overwhelming?

I love being outdoors. I enjoy taking a walk with my family, walking through the downtown on a lunch break, exploring our public spaces, listening to sounds of the city, and seeing things from the ground level. Taking the time to be in the quiet to help reset is essential for me.

What’s one essential book everyone should read?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It’s a story of resilience, perseverance and courage. It’s a reminder that we can do hard things.