Ben Shardlow

Ben Shardlow has a robust background in urban design and public realm initiatives, currently serving as Chief of Staff at both the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District since January 2014 and July 2012, respectively. With a focus on enhancing downtown vitality, Shardlow actively promotes urban development and community engagement through various leadership roles, including Chair of the Creative Enterprise Zone and Board Member for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. Prior experience includes co-founding the Starling Project to address storefront vacancies and collaborating with Works Progress on community-oriented public art initiatives. Shardlow holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Whitman College.