Funding the Future: Sustainable Community Development at Wildlight with Mike Hahaj
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 87
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Mike Hahaj, Director of Commercial Development and Operations at Radiant Places and Properties, describes the vision behind Wildlight—a groundbreaking 24,000-acre master-planned community in Nassau County, Florida. With a foundation in finance and decades of development experience along the East Coast, Mike shares how his unique background fuels a long-term, sustainability-focused approach to placemaking at Wildlight. The conversation dives into the project’s ethos of “town in nature,” highlighting its emphasis on conservation, community, and wellness through early investment in civic infrastructure and arts and cultural amenities. Mike and host Martha McGee also discuss innovative funding models for arts and culture through the Wildlight Community Foundation, reinforcing the belief that art is essential for building identity, belonging, and emotional connection in any great place.
Discussed in the Episode:
Governors Club Chapel Hill
The Celebration Company, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company
Celebration, Florida
Wildlight
Raydient Places and Properties
Rayonier
UF Health
Wildlight Community Foundation
The St. Joe Company
Lake Nona
Mike Hahaj on LinkedIn
About Mike Hahaj:
With 25 years of experience working with large-scale master-planned communities along the Eastern seaboard, Mike primarily focuses on strategic planning efforts, commercial development, and community operations functions. Mike joined Rayonier and Raydient Places & Properties in 2016 as part of the company’s launch of a community development division. Today his focus for Rayonier involves working directly with the development team to plan and implement commercial development opportunities for various operational components inherent within large-scale master-planned communities. Mike has held a CPA license, is a licensed Florida real estate agent, and has served in various board capacities including for airport authorities, utility companies, and nonprofit foundations. He currently resides in Fernandina Beach, Florida with his three sons.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!