Joshua Foster is redefining who benefits when cities build

Joshua Foster leads JAF Creative Solutions, which connects infrastructure projects to local jobs, internships and contract opportunities; he emphasizes early impact strategy so nearby residents and small businesses can share in development benefits.

Joshua Foster runs JAF Creative Solutions to help ensure large infrastructure and building projects benefit nearby residents and businesses. He grew up noticing how the city felt, studied architecture at Columbia and USC, and left traditional practice to create a role that focused on community impact. Foster frames "impact strategy" as work that begins long before construction, not as a late-stage add-on. He also teaches at community colleges and coaches high school football while leading his firm. Key facts: - Foster founded JAF Creative Solutions to align project resources with local workforce and business needs during planning and construction. - He distinguishes impact strategy from standard community engagement by asking who will work on projects and who will receive contracts early in project design. - JAF connects high school and college students to internships and introduces them to careers in engineering, architecture, and construction. - The firm helps small businesses, including minority- and women-owned firms, with certification and access to contracting opportunities tied to projects. - The article mentions Poche Design Studio, a Black woman-owned firm that received women-owned certification and now serves many women-owned clients after support from Foster and his network. Summary: Foster’s work aims to shape projects so local people and businesses gain tangible opportunities rather than being treated as an afterthought. Undetermined at this time.