What We Do
Services
Read more about how we bring people, organizations, and municipalities together to spark growth, strengthen connections, and build vibrant communities.
Strengthening Leaders
Capacity Building
We equip local leaders, nonprofits, and community organizations with the tools and strategies to effect change from within.
Revitalization
Main Street Development
We help create and support Main Street organizations that drive small business growth and downtown revitalization.
Driving Impact
Supporting CDCs & BIDs
We help create and empower Community Development Corporations and Business Improvement Districts to launch impactful projects.
Local Action
Municipal Partnerships
We partner with municipalities to integrate place-based strategies into local planning and economic development.
Who We Are
Meet Peter Shapiro
Leading with a Vision for Smart Growth
Peter Shapiro brings decades of leadership experience and a proven track record in creating walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods. His approach inspired Place Matters’ mission to build vibrant, people-centered communities.
Transforming Suitland into a Cultural Hub
From the Creative Suitland Arts Center to a new food hall and mixed-use development, Peter’s revitalization projects foster economic opportunity and local pride — a perfect example of place-based development in action.
Revitalizing the Route 1 Corridor
Peter spearheaded the Gateway Arts District, a public-private partnership that brought $500M in investment, new businesses, and public art. This model exemplifies Place Matters’ approach to people-centered community development.
A Lifelong Commitment to Prince George’s County
With roots in local government and deep ties to the community, Peter’s leadership reflects a long-term dedication to improving quality of life — a value at the heart of Place Matters’ work.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how we work or what community-based economic development means for you? Our FAQs break down our approach, partnerships, and impact so you can see how we help communities thrive — and how you can get involved.
Community-based economic development focuses on empowering local residents, businesses, and organizations to drive change from within. Instead of relying solely on outside investment, it builds on existing strengths, fosters collaboration, and creates strategies that reflect the unique culture and needs of each community.
We partner closely with municipalities, nonprofits, and community groups to co-create solutions. This can include facilitating workshops, developing Main Street programs, supporting Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and integrating place-based strategies into economic and urban planning.
Every community has its own history, assets, and challenges. Place-based strategy recognizes this uniqueness and tailors economic development efforts to fit the local context. This approach ensures solutions are relevant, sustainable, and more likely to have a lasting impact.
Get In Touch
Contact Us
Whether you’re a community leader, local business owner, or municipal partner, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to start a conversation about how we can work together to strengthen communities and create lasting impact