The Downtown Alliance hired Dave Higgins in early 2025 to lead redevelopment efforts in the city’s core. He took on the challenge after building urban redevelopment experience in Boston and New York City. He’ll be assessing future best uses of St. Paul’s Alliance Bank Center, which the development corporation recently acquired. One of his biggest challenges, he says, is “shifting the focus and conversation from negative issues that are not unique to St. Paul.” He says public and business leaders are ready for change and he expects they’ll use financial and other resources to spur renovations. “Housing development will likely lead, but a mix of uses will remain important.”