In this episode of Net Takeaways, hosts BJ Feller and Isaiah Harf explore the multifaceted challenges facing America’s urban centers post-pandemic, focusing on increasing office vacancies and declining retail activity. They discuss how reduced office occupancy has triggered a chain reaction, impacting tax revenues, municipal services, and neighborhood vibrancy. Isaiah emphasizes the foundational role of housing in urban revitalization and proposes tax incentives to convert unused office spaces into residential units, while BJ delves into the economic and regulatory barriers that complicate these conversions. They also introduce the concept of “Sales Tax Increment Financing” (STIF), a model designed to encourage retailers to reopen in struggling urban areas by allowing them to retain part of their generated sales tax. Throughout, BJ and Isaiah emphasize the need for coordinated efforts among government officials, landlords, developers, and other stakeholders to break the cycle of urban decline and create sustainable solutions for city centers. With humor and insight, BJ and Isaiah tackle the complexities of this urban reset, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the collaborative, innovative approaches needed to revitalize American cities.