Is Your Community Development Ready?

Joe Borgstrom, half of the husband and wife team behind Place + Main Advisors and one of the founders of Downtown Happy Hour – a Facebook live chat with placemakers and storytellers around the country that kicked off during the pandemic lockdowns and quickly became a touchstone for main streeters as we sheltered in place, together virtually. Virginia Main Street and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development are pleased to bring Joe to Virginia next month for a series of Development Ready Community workshops around the Commonwealth! This event is open to all and relevant to students, building owners, elected officials, urban planners, economic developers, nonprofits, developers, Main Street organizations, and anyone else who is simply interested in learning about how their community can best prepare for quality development. Here is Joe’s “plug” for the event(s)!

Joe Borgstrom is an accomplished professional in the fields of Downtown Redevelopment, Community and Economic Development, Main Street and Placemaking. His 20 year career includes executive management, project financial structuring and evaluation, fund development, foreign direct investment recruitment, market research, program management, public speaking and consulting. He and his teams have used state and local incentives to leverage more than $2.2 billion in private investment into communities.

Dive Deep into Real Estate with the Development Ready Communities Training Series

The Development Ready Communities training series on real estate will be held on:

October 23 – Wytheville
October 24 – Harrisonburg
October 25 – Newport News

Whether you’re just starting in the realm of real estate or have years of experience under your belt, this series is designed to provide you with fresh insights, strategies, and a deeper understanding of real estate redevelopment.

What It Means to Be Development Ready

The essence of “development-ready” communities lies in highlighting the importance of dynamic, strategic planning, efficient zoning regulations that mirror community priorities, a transparent and streamlined development process to foster trust, and the pivotal role of economic development combined with community marketing to promote sustainable growth and business opportunities.

Marketing Your Community and Sites

To attract the right developers, communities must understand which sites have the most potential based on various factors, ensure that comprehensive and precise site information is available for potential investors, envision the future prospects of the site, and effectively package and present this information, from basic snapshots to detailed Request for Qualifications (RFQs).

Understanding Real Estate Math

In the realm of real estate, a deep understanding of financial metrics, from distinguishing between Construction and Operating Pro Formas to pinpointing the sources and uses of funds, is vital. Grasping these elements, especially identifying financial gaps in funding or revenue, is essential for the success of any real estate project.

Ins and Outs of Incentives

In promoting development, communities often deploy incentives, spanning federal to local levels, each tailored to specific governance priorities. It’s crucial for both communities and businesses to comprehend how these incentives function, while also remaining alert to potential misuse, ensuring proactive vigilance.

Registration is open so click HERE for more details and to secure your spot!