Algenon Cash, Managing Director of Wharton Gladden & Company, recently authored an op-ed in Carolina Journal outlining why strong, vibrant downtowns are essential to North Carolina’s long-term economic health and competitiveness.
In the commentary, Cash argues that downtowns serve as economic anchors — concentrating talent, capital, small business activity, and civic infrastructure. He highlights how well-functioning urban cores support entrepreneurship, workforce attraction, real estate investment, and regional resilience across economic cycles.
Drawing on experience in investment banking, real estate, and economic development, the piece emphasizes the importance of intentional planning, private-sector investment, and public-private collaboration to ensure downtowns remain productive, adaptable, and financially sustainable.
Wharton Gladden & Company contributes to informed public dialogue on economic development and capital strategy as part of its broader commitment to long-term value creation and disciplined decision-making.
Read the full op-ed in the Carolina Journal.
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Attribution
Originally published as an op-ed in the Carolina Journal.
