GLENDALE, CA-Partnerships between residents and business owners are key to revitalization, according to Rick Lemmo, SVP of community relations at Caruso Affiliated and president of the Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District, who sat down with GlobeSt.com to discuss the Glendale's successful revitalization. In an earlier story, GlobeSt.com reported that Glendale currently has 2,000 residential units under construction and the city's two major shopping centers—Glendale Galleria and the Americana—had $170 million in renovations last year.

“You have to set a vision, create a course of action and then put that plan into effect,” Lemmo tells GlobtSt.com. “The time and effort spent by all parties has been very rewarding and has provided a great return on investment in 2013, thus making Glendale's future look even brighter.” Playing a big part in this relationship is the Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District, which Lemmo explains, “provides cleaner streets and friendly ambassadors and new businesses on Brand Boulevard.”

But it isn't only businesses opening in town. The city is also creating an enriched cultural environment. The Museum of Neon Art has just begun construction and a new pedestrian-friendly farmer's market is opening this coming weekend, January 9th. Likewise, the city has a great mix of new restaurants, namely Porto's, Bar Verde and Din Tai Fung. “The City of Glendale's Management, Council and Staff are always business friendly, making the move for any business a seamless transition,” Lemmo says. “Glendale does not just romance businesses to move here, it gives each business an opportunity to better operate here.”