For many years the dirtiest word in the real estate development lexicon was innovation. Industry players were set in their ways and approached community development in the same manner, over and over. Like many other industries- from automobiles to airplanes- reality hits at some point. The old ways of doing things become less and less effective and buyers, community groups and … [Read more...] about Ripe for disruption.
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Make your impact count.
Impact investing is having a moment. Investors as well-heeled as Bill Gates, and as humble as your average college kid, are trying to find ways to "save the world" while also generating returns. This newfound desire to use the markets to affect change is a positive development, but like any other investment, impact or not, there are risks involved. Making the wrong decisions … [Read more...] about Make your impact count.
Looking past the bottom line.
The worlds of property development and environmental sustainability are becoming inextricably linked. Historically, developers and environmental advocates were at odds with each other. They fought (and still fight) over hot-button issues like preserving wildlife habitat, pollution and waste, density, and a whole host of other social, environmental, and political concerns … [Read more...] about Looking past the bottom line.
Why community capital matters.
When discussing why underserved communities tend to stay that way, insufficient access to capital is the elephant in the room. Traditionally, to secure funding for say, a multifamily apartment building, or a new retail shopping center, one would have to go through conventional lenders, private equity firms, venture capital groups, or independent angel investors. What all of … [Read more...] about Why community capital matters.
Opportunity Zones for everyone.
Opportunity Zone funds are a hot topic in the real investment world. These funds appeared as a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation included a provision that designated 8,700 census tracts in the United States as Opportunity Zones - areas with less than average direct investment and economic growth. Investing in these zones offers interested parties a … [Read more...] about Opportunity Zones for everyone.