Resources for Small Development

What works?

With efforts around the country, at every scale (from the village to statewide efforts), we’ve learned that the best and quickest outcomes result when all are integrated. The local financial ecosystem must also be aligned with small development projects. 

The contemporary real estate industry is almost exclusively geared to produce two products, both at large scales: single-family homes (usually in subdivisions that need lots of land) and large residential buildings (which usually have more layers of financing than stories). Large buildings require large sources of capital. Such developers and financiers often come from outside your community. 

So, while large buildings have their place, the work of small-scale development champions involves rebuilding these local frameworks that support small. Teamwork.

One of the first challenges local champions find themselves facing involves how to organize one’s own sector, while also inviting the other two to sit on the same side of the table and face the work to be done together. Cross-sector teams focused on a particular geography–a property, block, neighborhood, or district– have proven the most effective way to bring together everyone who matters to the outcomes, prioritize the work, and institute a practice of learning by doing and making systemic changes so future projects can avoid identified barriers.

What’s working?

We’ve consulted with a number of folks around the country who are testing out some of these promising approaches. Whether they’re starting from one sector, or pulling together all three, they are on a path to making small development count where they are.

Newark Nonprofit Launches ‘Business of Real Estate’ Training powered by SDC!
Newark Nonprofit Launches ‘Business of Real Estate’ Training powered by SDC!
Small Developers From W. Baltimore St. Corridor Want to Jump Start its Redevelopment Plan
Small Developers From W. Baltimore St. Corridor Want to Jump Start its Redevelopment Plan
Detroit Neighborhood Residents Redevelop Even Though They’re Left Out of Conventional Capital Systems
Detroit Neighborhood Residents Redevelop Even Though They’re Left Out of Conventional Capital Systems
Portland’s Historic Zoning Change Allows More than Single Family Homes
Portland’s Historic Zoning Change Allows More than Single Family Homes
What Must We Know to Know Where to Start?
What Must We Know to Know Where to Start?
Mobilizing Doers in a Citywide Summit
Mobilizing Doers in a Citywide Summit
Newark CDC Seeks to Build Black Wealth in Neighborhoods
Newark CDC Seeks to Build Black Wealth in Neighborhoods
Hudson Valley Mayor Eyes Underutilized City Land for Home Grown Small-Scale Development
Hudson Valley Mayor Eyes Underutilized City Land for Home Grown Small-Scale Development
Incremental Neighborhood Redevelopment Scales Up to Justify Public Improvement Investments to Spur More
Incremental Neighborhood Redevelopment Scales Up to Justify Public Improvement Investments to Spur More
Buffalo Green Contractor Seeks to Grow “Maker” Hub
Buffalo Green Contractor Seeks to Grow “Maker” Hub

Need help accelerating results where you are?

The help we give local champions isn’t just reserved for these highlighted works in progress.

Neighborhood Workshop and Civic Agility are collaborating resource partners who have served in the trenches as practitioners and implementers. They’re ready to team up with just the expertise you need for technical assistance like code audits, coaching, training, or other consultations. We center a unique approach on your goals powered by small development.

No matter where you’re starting, we’re happy to talk. We find it a most productive use of your time if we don’t just talk about your work, but actually help you get work done. The format we’ve found most effective for this is a “Working Conversation.”  It’s a private consultation in which you start with the largest purpose for your work and leave having identified the very next step you need to take locally to make progress.

We also host public Working Conversations on topics of broad interest. A schedule is listed in the Events section.

Our Resource Partners

Brian Reilly

Former Economic Development Director in Cleveland and Buffalo • Philanthropy Professional • City Coach 

Neil Heller

Pro Forma-Based Data Analyst • Urban Designer • Small Scale Developer • Small Developer Training Faculty 

Marques G. King

Architect • Urban Designer • Small Scale Developer • Small Developer Training Faculty 

Jennifer O’Donnell

Urban Planner • Historic Preservationist • Development Advisor • Former Elected Official

Karen Winkle-Gorsline

People-Centered Housing Expert • Licensed Real Estate Professional • Development Advisor • Housing Authority Commissioner 

David T. Kim

Architect • Urban Designer • Urbanist • Appointed Public Official

Sharon Woods

Real Estate Market Analyst • Urbanist • Site Selection Expert

Jaime Izurieta-Varea

Urban Designer • Small Business Trainer • Retail and Promotion Guru

Michael Herman

Inviting agility in teams, organizations and community networks

Kimberlee S. Williams

Entrepreneurial Thought Leader • Capacity Builder • Capital Growth Strategist • Curriculum Developer