Dave Kresta

Background

About Dave Kresta

Building on my PhD in Urban Studies from Portland State University, I bring the following knowledge domains and specializations within reach of churches, denominations, and faith-based organizations: Reimagining Religious Spaces (RRS): I help churches reimagine and repurpose buildings and property for community thriving. I have performed extensive research in this area, and work with churches to create community-informed strategies. I help denominations and funding organizations determine the size and direction of opportunity for RRS in their geography. Community economic development: I work with churches to bring good news to local economies with tools including microbusinesses, makerspaces, business incubators, worker cooperatives, workforce development, commercial district revitalization, locality development, anchor institutions, and accountable development. I lead churches through a robust assessment and planning process developed specifically for churches to create a collaborative CED strategy rooted in God’s love for people and justice. Neighborhood change, poverty, gentrification: My unique doctoral research explored the ties between churches and neighborhoods. I help churches and faith-based organizations understand the complex of forces creating neighborhood change and how they can participate in creating change in which all community members can thrive. Research and data-driven insights: I have done significant work with a wide variety of data sets as well as designed and implemented numerous research projects. My experience as a Product Manager also equips me to think in terms of insights and customer-oriented perspectives. The result is a unique ability to help churches and faith-based organizations develop and anchor strategies rooted in research and data-driven insights.