Year in Review 2018: Tawaun Weber, Vision Long Island

Name & Title: Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director

Company Name: Vision Long Island

Address: 24 Woodbine Ave., Ste 2, Northport, NY 11768

Website: www.visionlongisland.org

Social Media: VisionLongIsland: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? 
With all of the work we do in various communities, it is hard to say that one project is better than another. However, the 2018 Annual Smart Growth Summit is the event that ties it all together. This year’s summit brought together over 1100 community, business, and municipal leaders to discuss the common topics affecting Long Island. The 22 workshops each featured specific panelists designed to facilitate a conversation on solutions to some of Long Island’s most challenging concerns.  The day really brought together everyone for the common goal of bettering Long Island in their own specific way. 

What was the best decision that you made in 2018 and how did it impact your business? 
While others tend to look at things from a regional perspective, we believe that real change happens on the ground in local communities.  This year Vision really took focus on reinforcing our mission of  “local first.” We spent more time highlighting communities who are affecting real change. Attending more community meetings, holding press conferences, and providing support in whatever way we can to these communities that been at the forefront of our actions this year. 

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019?
Despite percieved division, this past election has shown that Long Islanders are generally together on the need for infrastructure and transportation funding, affordable housing, and mixed-use/transit-oriented development.  In 2019, we will we see a stronger push by communities for planning decisions and funding to be controlled by local municipalities that are familiar with their specific hopes and challenges. Additionally, projects where the developer works with local communities have a higher number of approvals in a shorter timeframe.   I believe we will see more developers following this trend rather than leaving the community out as we have seen in the past. 

What was an unexpected event that occurred in 2018, and how did it impact your career or personal life?
This year I, once again, was presented with the opportunity to move off of Long Island.  After giving it serious thought, I came to the realization that there really is no place I would rather live than right here on Long Island.  Despite its challenges, Long Island is a great place to live and raise a family.  From access to amazing beaches, our downtowns, being nearby to Manhattan, and the great schools we have, I decided this is where I want to be!

Do you have any New Year’s Resolution(s)?
I am not typically a person who does New Year’s resolutions. However, I do have a professional goal of growing our community base.  There are a lot of community leaders that may have the desire to better their neighborhood but not sure where to start.  It is my goal to reach out to them, help to educate them on the process, and aide them in finding the resources they need to achieve their vision.